What to Expect With a Brake Service
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.
Did You Know: It takes up to three football fields to safely brake in the rain?
Common Brake Issues
Brakes rarely fail without giving a warning. Paying attention to sound and feel can help you catch issues early. Here are common signs that indicate you need professional service:
- Squealing or Grinding: High-pitched noises often mean pads are worn, while grinding suggests dangerous metal-on-metal contact.
- Vibration While Stopping: Warped rotors can cause the steering wheel or pedal to shake when you apply the brakes.
- Soft or Spongy Pedal: Air in the lines or fluid leaks can make the pedal feel less responsive or sink to the floor.
- Pulling to One Side: A stuck caliper or uneven wear can cause the vehicle to drift to the left or right when braking.
- Dashboard Alerts: A brake warning light or ABS light stays illuminated on the dashboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I have my brakes inspected?
It is generally recommended to have your brakes checked at least once a year or every 12,000 miles. However, this can vary based on your driving habits and the specific recommendations in your owner's manual. If you drive frequently in heavy traffic around Loveland or haul heavy loads, you may need inspections more often to ensure safety. Regular checks allow our technicians to catch wear on brake pads before it damages more expensive components like rotors.
Why are my brakes making a squeaking noise?
Squeaking is often caused by a small metal shim called a wear indicator, which is designed to make noise when your pads are getting low. This is a built-in alert system telling you it is time for service. However, noise can also be caused by dust buildup, moisture, or glazing on the pads. A professional inspection at our auto shop can determine if the noise is a sign of wear or a minor annoyance that can be cleaned away.
When should I change my brake fluid?
Fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air over time. This moisture can lower the fluid's boiling point and cause internal corrosion in the hydraulic system. Most manufacturers recommend a fluid exchange every two years or 30,000 miles. Fresh fluid helps ensure your brakes respond promptly when you press the pedal. We test the copper content and moisture levels of your fluid to determine exactly when a flush is necessary.
How long do brake pads typically last?
The lifespan of your pads depends heavily on the type of driving you do. Highway drivers may see their pads last 50,000 miles or more, while city drivers dealing with frequent stop-and-go traffic might need replacements closer to 25,000 miles. Quality also matters; ceramic and semi-metallic pads offer different durability profiles. During your service, we can estimate how much life is left in your current pads so you can plan for future replacement.
Do you offer a warranty on brake repairs?
Yes, we stand behind the quality of our work. Most of our repairs are backed by an industry-leading warranty that covers both parts and labor. This gives you peace of mind knowing that if a defect arises with the installed components, you are covered. We believe in doing the job right the first time, and our warranty is a reflection of our confidence in our skilled technicians and the high-quality parts we use.
Schedule Your Brake Service Today
At Christian Brothers Automotive Loveland, we are committed to keeping Loveland drivers safe with expert car repair services. Our dedication to quality parts, skilled labor, and exceptional customer service helps ensure your vehicle is always in the best hands. We provide the honest advice and professional care you need to keep your vehicle running smoothly for years to come.
Don't wait until a small noise becomes a major repair.
Call (513) 845-3341 or book your appointment online to restore your vehicle's stopping power.
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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"I liked the customer service and going above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable while waiting in the store for my vehicle work to be done, specifically being offered a nice hot coffee with creamer."
- J.L.