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 You Need Brake Service
Your vehicle often signals when it requires brake replacement or maintenance before a complete failure occurs. Ignoring these auditory and physical cues can lead to costly rotor damage or dangerous driving situations. If you notice any of the following symptoms, it is crucial to schedule a professional inspection immediately.
- Squealing Noises: High-pitched sounds usually indicate that the wear indicators on your brake pads are exposed.
- Grinding Sounds: Metal-on-metal noise suggests pads are completely worn, damaging the rotors.
- Vibration Issues: Shaking in the steering wheel or pedal often points to warped rotors requiring rotor resurfacing.
- Soft Pedal: A spongy feel when pressing the brakes may indicate air in the lines or fluid leaks.
- Pulling Car: The vehicle drifts to one side while braking, often caused by a stuck caliper.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Signs My Brakes Need Repair?
There are several warning signs suggesting that your brakes might require repair: squeaking or grinding noises, a spongy brake pedal, or your vehicle pulling to one side while braking. Another indication is an illuminated brake warning light on your dashboard. It is essential to address these signs promptly to prevent extensive damage and potential safety hazards.
Our technicians perform a thorough inspection to diagnose any issues. We prioritize transparency by clearly and straightforwardly communicating necessary repairs, allowing you to make informed decisions about your vehicle's care.
How Often Should I Have My Brakes Inspected?
We recommend having your brakes inspected at least once a year, although this frequency may vary depending on your driving habits and road conditions. Routine inspections help identify early signs of wear and tear, preventing costly repairs down the line. In Missouri City, where traffic and weather conditions can accelerate brake wear, regular checks are particularly important.
During a comprehensive brake inspection at Christian Brothers Automotive Missouri City, our ASE-certified technicians will evaluate all aspects of your braking system, ensuring each component functions correctly and safely. Proactive maintenance is crucial for helping prevent unexpected breakdowns and supporting your vehicle's ongoing roadworthiness.
Regular inspections not only safeguard you against potential brake failures but also enhance your vehicle's overall performance. By adhering to a consistent maintenance schedule, you help ensure your brakes function optimally throughout the year, adapting to any driving conditions Missouri City might throw your way.
Why Do Brakes Wear Out Quickly in Missouri City?
Brake wear may be expedited by factors such as frequent stopping in heavy traffic, local terrain, or carrying heavy loads. Additionally, Missouri City's weather can lead to conditions that cause rust or corrosion, which in turn impact brake performance. Remaining vigilant about brake maintenance can effectively help mitigate these issues.
At Christian Brothers Automotive Missouri City, we customize our services to address these local challenges. We will provide practical advice and high-quality service to maintain the longevity and effectiveness of your brake system, helping support your safety on the road.
Understanding local environmental conditions helps us anticipate and counteract common brake issues. We fine-tune our approach, focusing on preventative maintenance and using methods well-suited for the environmental challenges of Missouri City.
What Is Included in a Brake Service?
Our brake service encompasses a comprehensive inspection of pads, rotors, calipers, and other critical components. We inspect for wear and tear, fluid leaks, and ensure that each part functions correctly in conjunction with the others. If repairs or replacements are needed, we use top-quality parts to restore your braking system’s performance.
We emphasize transparency, providing you with a detailed report and an explanation of any required work. This approach helps you feel confident and informed about the care and condition of your vehicle.
Whether it's a simple brake pad replacement or a more involved caliper adjustment, every service is provided with precision and care. We work to meet customer expectations by not only addressing current issues but also by helping prevent future ones through detailed inspections and proactive adjustments.
How Can I Ensure the Longevity of My Brakes?
To extend the lifespan of your brake system, consider modifying your driving habits, such as avoiding hard stops and downshifting on slopes to reduce brake pressure. Routine maintenance check-ups at Christian Brothers Automotive Missouri City will help identify minor problems before they escalate, which can prevent costly repairs and support safety.
We are committed to educating our customers on best practices for maintaining vehicle health. Our goal is to provide insights that help you maximize your brake system’s efficiency and reliability.
Additionally, regularly scheduled inspections enable us to monitor the condition of your brakes and advise you on the optimal time for specific services, thereby enhancing the longevity and performance of your vehicle. This practical approach helps your brakes remain in excellent condition, contributing to a safer drive every day.
Your Local Christian Brothers Amenities
FAQs
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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
-
"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.