1. Schedule Your Appointment
Whether scheduling online or over the phone be sure and let us know what you're experiencing so we can provide fast and accurate service advice.
2. Diagnostics and Inspections
Drop off your vehicle and the shop will get to work with inspections and diagnostics using the same equipment as the manufacturers to determine issues and next steps.
3. Digital Vehicle Inspection Report and Estimate
Following the diagnosis we will text you a digital vehicle inspection report, containing pictures and videos of our findings and recommendations.
4. Review and Approval
A service advisor will reach out to walk you through the findings and recommendations to determine how you would like to proceed, or you can approve work directly in your DVI.
5. Work Performed or Scheduled
Most work can be completed immediately, or scheduled based on parts and customer availability.
How to Know If Your Car Needs New Brakes
Catching brake problems early can help limit larger repair bills and keep stopping distances where they should be. Here are five warning signs Lockport drivers should know:
- Squeaking or High-Pitched Noise: That sound typically comes from a small metal wear indicator built into the brake pad. It’s designed to alert you when the pad material is running low and brake pad replacement is approaching.
- Grinding Sounds: Grinding means the pads are fully worn and metal components are contacting each other. At this stage, rotor evaluation is usually needed alongside pad replacement.
- Vibration or Pulsation in the Pedal: A pedal that pulses underfoot can point to warped rotors, which affect how evenly the brakes apply pressure.
- Longer Stopping Distances: If your vehicle takes noticeably more distance to stop than it used to, the braking system may have lost effectiveness and deserves a prompt inspection.
- Brake Warning Light: An illuminated ABS warning light or brake warning light on the dashboard is a signal to have the system checked promptly, not at your next oil change.
You can also do a quick visual check through your wheel spokes. If the brake pad appears less than 1/4 inch thick, your vehicle may be due for service. Our free Digital Vehicle Inspection captures actual photos of your brake components so you don’t have to take anyone’s word for it.
What Our Brake Inspection Covers
Our brake inspection is part of the broader courtesy inspection we perform on every vehicle. Our ASE-certified technicians check each element of the braking system and document what they find before making any recommendations.
- Brake pad and shoe thickness
- Rotor and drum condition, including wear and surface damage
- Brake lines and hoses for leaks or cracks
- Brake fluid condition and level
- Overall brake system function and caliper operation
After the inspection, you receive a detailed written report alongside the DVI photos. You’ll know exactly what’s worn, what’s fine, and what our technicians recommend before you approve a single repair.
Why Preventative Brake Maintenance Pays Off
Brakes don’t fail all at once. They wear gradually, and catching the early stages of that wear is often less expensive than waiting until something breaks. Regular brake inspections identify developing issues before they affect stopping distance or damage more expensive components. Well-maintained brake pads help protect rotors from premature wear. Healthy brake fluid helps resist the moisture that can compromise your hydraulic system. Addressing a caliper that’s starting to stick can cost less than replacing a rotor that’s been ground down by a neglected pad.
Our free visual brake inspections on most vehicles mean you can get a brake check during a routine service visit rather than scheduling a separate appointment. Any brake repair or brake replacement we perform is backed by our Nice Difference Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles. Every technician assessment is delivered transparently before work begins, so you can review a repair before approving it.
Are your brakes making noise or feeling off? Our certified technicians in Lockport are here to help. Schedule your brake service now. Contact us online or call (815) 426-9532.
Your Local Christian Brothers Amenities
FAQs
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Q. "Why is my ABS light on?"There are several reasons your vehicles anti-lock brake system light might be on. The four common reasons that typically cause this light to turn on include a malfunctioning ABS module, low levels in the fluid reservoir, broken wheel speed sensors, or the system is turned off. Learn more here.
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Q. "How long will my brake pads last?"There is no perfect answer to this. Brake pads can last up to 70,000 miles while others will need to be replaced as early as 25,000 miles. The type of vehicle you drive, how you use your vehicle and your driving style are all factors to consider. If you are interested in learning more about brake pad wear and how to extend its lifespan click here.
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Q. "When do I need to change my brake fluid?"Along with the type of brake fluid, your car’s owner manual will indicate how often you need your brake fluid flushed and replaced. In general, brake fluids flushes are recommended every 30,000 miles or two years. Click here to learn more.
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Q. "Do you offer a warranty?"As part of our Nice difference.® commitment to providing our customers the best auto service experience possible, we also offer a3-year/36,000-mile warranty on all the work that we do. We offer this warranty at every Christian Brothers Automotive nationwide, and it will be honored at any location, regardless of which branch did the initial work.
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Q. "What is a Digital Vehicle Inspection?"With a complimentary Digital Vehicle Inspection (DVI) on every visit, you’ll see firsthand photos of your vehicle from under the hood. We’ll let you know if everything is functioning properly or if there are any areas of concern. You can even approve or deny our service recommendations, all straight from your smartphone, or you can, of course, give us a call and we’ll explain our findings in further detail.
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Q. "Can you provide service under my extended warranty?"Yes. At Christian Brothers Automotive, we work with all major extended warranty providers to make needed repairs for our customers. If you have an extended warranty, you can discuss your carrier with our team when scheduling an appointment and confirm that the work will be covered. You can find a partial list of the extended warranty companies we work with here.
Have more Questions?
Our friendly auto service experts have the answers.
Call your local Christian Brothers Automotive car shop today
Hear What Our Customers Had to Say About Us
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"Thank You for your honesty! I took my vehicle in With a screw On A tire thinking it was a flat but NiCo told me there WASN'T any damage Done and Therefore Won’t be a charge for they’re service. Honesty means a lot to me. I Highly recommend Chri"
- S.M