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.
Signs Your Vehicle Needs Brake Service
Recognizing these warning signs early can help limit damage to brake rotors, brake drums, and other components. If you notice changes in how your car stops, have a professional evaluate the system promptly.
Watch for these common indicators of brake issues:
- High-Pitched Squealing: A wear indicator or worn friction material can create this sound.
- Grinding Noises: Metal-to-metal contact can indicate worn-through brake pads or shoes and may damage brake rotors or drums.
- Vibration or Pulsation: Shaking in the steering wheel or pedal when braking can relate to rotor, drum, or other brake-component conditions.
- Soft or Spongy Pedal: A pedal change can indicate a hydraulic brake system concern that needs evaluation.
- Pulling to One Side: Uneven brake wear, a brake caliper concern, or another component condition can cause the vehicle to drift during braking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should Brake Pads Be Replaced?
Brake pad replacement timing depends on vehicle design, pad material, driving conditions, load, braking habits, and the condition of related components. Our technicians assess brake-pad condition during routine maintenance so you can understand your vehicle’s status and decide when service is appropriate.
What Types of Brake Pads Are Available?
Semi-metallic, ceramic, and organic brake pads have different operating characteristics. Semi-metallic pads are durable, ceramic pads tend to run quieter and produce less brake dust, and organic pads offer a softer pedal feel. We can discuss options according to your vehicle requirements and driving use.
Can I Inspect My Own Brake Pads?
A visual check can reveal some pad wear, but it may not identify hydraulic, electronic, uneven-wear, or component-condition problems. Professional inspection can include measurements and diagnostic testing when appropriate, providing a more complete assessment of the braking system.
What Happens If Brake Pads Aren’t Replaced?
Delaying service on worn brake pads can allow friction material to wear through and damage brake rotors or drums. It can also affect braking performance. An inspection identifies the current condition and the work, if any, that the vehicle needs.
How Does Dallas Traffic Influence Brake Pad Wear?
Frequent stop-and-go travel and repeated braking can affect brake-pad wear. Vehicle load, driving style, terrain, and the condition of related components also matter. If you notice noise, vibration, pulling, a warning light, or a changed pedal feel, schedule an evaluation based on your vehicle’s symptoms.
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.