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?
Signs of Brake Problems
Recognizing the early signs of brake problems can prevent costly repairs and help protect your safety.
Here are some common indicators that your brakes may need attention:
- Squeaking or squealing noise: This is often the first sign that your brake pads are wearing thin and need replacement.
- Grinding sound: A grinding noise usually indicates that the brake pads are completely worn out, and the metal components are rubbing against each other.
- Vibration or pulsation: If you feel a vibration in the brake pedal, it could be a sign of warped rotors.
- Longer stopping distances: If your vehicle takes longer to stop than usual, it may be time for a brake inspection.
- Brake warning light: If the brake warning light on your dashboard is illuminated, it is important to have your brakes checked as soon as possible.
Brake Fluid Change Frequency
Brake fluid is a critical component of your braking system, and its condition can affect your vehicle's stopping power. We often recommend changing your brake fluid every 20,000 to 45,000 miles or as specified in your vehicle's owner manual. Our technicians can help you determine the optimal frequency based on your driving habits and conditions.
When we evaluate your brake fluid, we may look for signs such as:
- Discoloration or dark fluid: May indicate aging fluid that is ready to be replaced.
- Moisture contamination: Can affect braking performance and contribute to internal corrosion.
- Low fluid level: May signal a leak or worn brake components that need attention.
When you bring your vehicle to us, we will explain what we see in the fluid, such as discoloration or moisture contamination, in clear terms so you know why a service is recommended. This helps you make informed decisions about your brakes in Midlothian without feeling rushed or pressured and supports consistent stopping performance during Virginia's changing weather and road conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a typical brake pad replacement take?
The duration of the service largely depends on the specific components that need attention. A standard pad replacement can often be completed within an hour or two. We always strive to work as efficiently as possible to minimize your wait time.
If your vehicle requires more extensive work, such as fixing hydraulic lines or a full rotor replacement, it may take a bit longer. We will always provide a clear timeline upfront so you can easily plan the rest of your day.
What causes my brakes to squeal?
Squealing is intentionally designed into modern friction materials as an early warning system. Small metal indicators will scrape against the rotor when the pads become dangerously thin, alerting you that immediate service is required to prevent damage.
However, occasionally squealing can also be caused by harmless factors like morning dew, humidity, or accumulated dust. If the noise persists after a few stops, it is crucial to have a professional evaluate the system for excessive wear.
Is it safe to drive with a spongy pedal?
You should never ignore a soft or sinking pedal, as it is a major safety hazard. This symptom usually means there is a leak in the hydraulic system or air trapped in the lines, which severely limits your stopping power.
Driving under these conditions puts you and other motorists at extreme risk. If your pedal feels unresponsive, we highly recommend arranging for a tow to our auto shop so we can perform emergency diagnostics and secure the system safely.
What does the brake warranty cover?
We proudly stand behind the quality of our craftsmanship with an industry-leading guarantee. Our comprehensive warranty covers both the premium parts we install and the labor required to complete the job, giving you ultimate peace of mind.
If you experience any covered defects or issues within the specified timeframe, we will resolve the problem at no additional cost to you. This commitment ensures that your investment is fully protected against premature component failure.
Protect your vehicle from harsh local conditions by booking your service online or calling (804) 494-5246 to secure your spot.
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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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"My 1st time using CBA 8/23/2024 . Made appointment the week before for 4 wheel alignment, tire balance and rotation. I received a $30 discount and they were right ?? on time in and out. I highly recommend them for your automotive needs. Shauna was very nic"
- Barry McGee