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 Your Vehicle Needs Brake Service
Your vehicle often communicates that it needs attention before a complete failure occurs. Recognizing these warning signs early can save you from expensive rotor and caliper replacements. If you notice any changes in how your car stops, it is crucial to have a professional evaluate the system immediately.
Watch for these common indicators of brake issues:
- High-Pitched Squealing: A built-in wear indicator warns you that the pads are thin and need replacement.
- Grinding Noises: Metal-on-metal contact indicates that pads are completely worn, damaging the brake rotors.
- Vibration or Pulsation: Shaking in the steering wheel or pedal when braking, often caused by warped rotors.
- Soft or Spongy Pedal: Air in the lines or a fluid leak requiring immediate brake service.
- Pulling to One Side: A stuck caliper or uneven pad wear is causing the vehicle to drift during braking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should Brake Pads Be Replaced?
Brake pad replacement frequency depends on factors such as driving habits, vehicle type, and road conditions. Generally, brake pads should be inspected every 10,000 miles and replaced every 20,000 to 50,000 miles.
However, frequent stop-and-go driving in Dallas traffic might require more regular checks. At Christian Brothers Automotive Midway, our technicians assess the condition of your brake pads during routine maintenance so you are always informed of their status.
What Types of Brake Pads Are Available?
There are several types of brake pads, including semi-metallic, ceramic, and organic options. Each type offers different benefits. Semi-metallic pads are durable and cost-effective, ceramic pads provide quiet operation and less brake dust, and organic pads offer a softer braking feel. Our team will help you choose the best option based on your vehicle’s requirements and driving habits.
Each brake pad type delivers specific advantages for different driving conditions. For example, semi-metallic pads are often recommended for heavier vehicles like trucks and SUVs because of their robustness and high heat tolerance. Ceramic pads, on the other hand, are ideal for passenger vehicles where noise reduction and smooth operation are priorities. Organic pads might suit smaller vehicles and drivers who are focusing more on environmental impact because of their biodegradable components.
Can I Inspect My Own Brake Pads?
While it is possible to check brake pads visually, professional inspections are recommended for accuracy. Examining brake pad thickness and wear requires removing the wheel, which involves tools and precision. Our certified technicians perform thorough inspections using specialized equipment to provide accurate assessments and help ensure your safety and peace of mind.
DIY enthusiasts might undertake visual checks, but care must be taken to ensure safety and precision in every step. While checking, look for even wear across the pad surface, as uneven wear might indicate issues with braking system components. However, professional workshops such as ours use additional diagnostics that help detect hidden issues that may not be visible to the naked eye, which helps ensure no detail is overlooked.
What Happens If Brake Pads Are Not Replaced?
Neglecting to replace worn brake pads can lead to issues such as damage to the brake rotors, reduced braking efficiency, and compromised safety. This can result in costly repairs and an increased risk of accidents. Regular maintenance and timely replacement at Christian Brothers Automotive Midway can help prevent these problems and keep your vehicle safe and reliable.
Failure to replace worn brake pads can also cause excessive heat buildup in the braking system, which can lead to warped rotors and expensive rotor replacements. This heat can affect other components and cause additional wear and tear. Reduced braking efficiency may result in longer stopping distances, which increases the risk of collision, especially during emergency braking situations.
How Does Dallas Traffic Influence Brake Pad Wear?
The stop-and-go nature of Dallas traffic can accelerate brake pad wear. Constant braking in congested areas and on busy highways puts additional strain on brake components. Regular checks and timely replacements are crucial in these environments to maintain safety and performance standards. Our local knowledge allows us to account for these conditions in our service recommendations.
In addition, the warm climate in Dallas can also affect the lifespan of brake pads. High temperatures can cause the material in the brake pads to become brittle and less effective over time. By choosing the appropriate brake pad material and following a consistent maintenance schedule, our technicians can help reduce the impact of climate and traffic on your vehicle's braking system.
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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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"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.