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
Your brakes work hard every time you drive, and over time, wear and tear can lead to problems that compromise your safety. Here are some common brake issues we see, and what they might mean:
- Squealing or Grinding Noises: A high-pitched squeal usually indicates worn brake pads that need replacing. Grinding sounds could mean the pads are worn down completely, causing metal-on-metal contact with the rotors.
- Spongy or Soft Brake Pedal: If your brake pedal feels soft or sinks to the floor, it may signal air in the brake lines or a problem with the hydraulic system. This issue can reduce braking power and should be checked immediately.
- Vibrations or Pulsating When Braking: If your steering wheel or brake pedal vibrates when you brake, it could be due to warped rotors or uneven brake pad wear. This can affect stopping distance and control.
- Burning Smell While Driving: A sharp, chemical odor after hard braking could mean overheated brakes or a stuck caliper. It’s best to let your brakes cool and have them inspected right away.
- Pulling to One Side When Braking: If your car pulls left or right when braking, it might be a sign of uneven brake pad wear, a stuck caliper, or brake fluid issues. This can make steering unpredictable in emergency stops.
- Brake Warning Lights: If your dashboard brake warning light comes on, it’s a signal that something in the braking system needs attention—whether it’s low brake fluid, worn pads, or another issue.
If you experience any of these problems, don’t wait—our team is ready to check your brakes and make sure you’re safe on the road.
Tips for Maintaining Your Brakes
Good brake maintenance isn’t just about saving money—it’s about protecting your safety and keeping your vehicle performing its best. Here are a few practical tips to help extend the life of your brakes:
- Drive Smoothly and Avoid Hard Stops: Aggressive braking wears down brake pads faster. Try to slow down gradually when possible and give yourself plenty of space to stop.
- Use Engine Braking on Hills: Instead of riding your brakes downhill, downshift or use lower gears to help control your speed and reduce strain on your brakes.
- Don’t Overload Your Vehicle: Carrying excessive weight puts extra pressure on your brakes, causing them to wear out faster. Stick to your vehicle’s recommended load limits.
- Get Regular Brake Inspections: We recommend having your brakes checked regularly—especially before long trips or when seasons change—to catch any issues early and keep everything in good working order.
- Listen for Unusual Sounds: Pay attention to squealing, grinding, or any strange noises when you brake. These sounds are often your first warning sign that something needs attention.
- Flush Brake Fluid as Recommended: Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, which can lead to corrosion in your brake system. Follow your manufacturer’s guidelines for brake fluid replacement to maintain braking performance.
- Address Small Problems Promptly: Don’t ignore minor issues. Fixing small brake problems early can prevent more expensive repairs and keep you safer behind the wheel.
We’re Here to Keep You Safe
At Christian Brothers Automotive Loveland, your safety is our top priority. Every brake service is performed with care by our ASE-certified technicians, and we stand behind our work with a 3 Year / 36,000 Mile Warranty for your peace of mind. Whether you’re hearing a strange sound or just want to make sure your brakes are ready for the road, we’re here to help with honest, reliable service you can trust.
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.