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?
When Should You Replace Your Brakes?
Proper brake maintenance includes knowing when to replace components like pads and rotors.
General guidelines include:
- Brake Pad Thickness: Replace pads when they’re less than 1/4 inch thick.
- Mileage Recommendations: Most brake pads need replacement between 30,000 to 70,000 miles, depending on driving habits.
- Regular Inspections: Routine inspections can identify wear before it becomes a major problem.
It's crucial to note that driving conditions significantly impact brake wear. Frequent city driving, which involves constant stopping and starting, can wear down brake pads faster than highway driving. Therefore, tailoring maintenance schedules to individual driving habits is vital. Consulting our team during these inspections can provide insights into how your driving style affects brake life and what adjustments can maximize their lifespan.
Common Brake Concerns to Watch For
Being proactive about brake maintenance is essential for safety.
Look out for these signs:
- Squeaking or Squealing Noises: Often caused by worn brake pads.
- Grinding Sounds: This may indicate metal-to-metal contact, suggesting your brake pads are fully worn out.
- Vibrations or Pulsations: Warped rotors can cause your brakes to feel uneven.
- Longer Stopping Distances: A clear indicator that your braking system needs attention.
- Illuminated Brake Warning Light: This should never be ignored—it signals a potential issue with your brakes.
If you notice any of these signs, schedule a brake inspection with us immediately to avoid further damage and ensure your safety.
Addressing brake issues early can prevent more severe problems down the line. Ignoring initial warning signs can lead to increased wear on the brake system and result in more complex and expensive repairs. We emphasize the importance of regular brake checks as a proactive approach to vehicle care, ensuring you’re aware of minor issues before they develop into larger, costly problems.
Call us at (952) 592-5020 or book your brake service now to keep your vehicle safe and reliable!
Benefits of Regular Brake Maintenance
Investing in routine brake maintenance offers several benefits:
- Enhanced Safety: Protect yourself and your passengers by ensuring your brakes perform optimally.
- Cost Savings: Catching minor issues early can prevent costly repairs.
- Better Performance: Properly maintained brakes improve your vehicle’s overall handling and fuel efficiency.
Regular brake maintenance not only secures safety but also boosts the performance and efficiency of your vehicle. A well-maintained brake system ensures optimized stopping power and helps extend the life of other interconnected parts, such as the tires and suspension components. By prioritizing maintenance, you mitigate the risks of premature wear on these parts, promoting a smoother and more economical driving experience.
Comprehensive Brake Inspections
When you bring your vehicle to Christian Brothers Automotive Savage for a brake inspection.
Our process includes:
- Inspection of brake pad thickness and condition
- Evaluation of rotors for wear or damage
- Testing of brake fluid levels and quality
- Assessment of the overall brake system's operation
We identify and address potential issues to keep your vehicle safe and reliable. Our inspection process is exhaustive, ensuring every component of your brake system is thoroughly examined. Focusing on current brake performance and potential longevity, we offer tailored solutions that aim at immediate and future needs.
Why Choose Christian Brothers Automotive Savage for Brake Repair?
We pride ourselves on delivering quality brake services tailored to your vehicle’s unique needs.
With a commitment to quality and transparency, we provide:
- Effortless Scheduling: Book your brake repair service online or call us to discuss any issues you're experiencing.
- Thorough Inspections: Using advanced diagnostic tools, we perform detailed brake system evaluations to pinpoint any concerns.
- Clear Reports: After the inspection, you’ll receive a complete report, including photos and explanations of your brake system's condition.
- Transparent Recommendations: We’ll explain any necessary repairs or maintenance and provide a clear estimate—no surprises.
- Prompt Service: Most brake services are completed the same day, ensuring you’re back on the road quickly and safely.
Every vehicle that comes to us receives a personalized level of service. We consider specific driving conditions and your vehicle’s history to ensure that any advice or repairs are just what you need. Plus, our team continuously updates their training to stay current with the latest brake technologies and solutions, giving you confidence that your vehicle is in knowledgeable hands.
For professional brake checks, repair, maintenance, and replacement services in Savage, contact us at (952) 592-5020 or online today!
Frequently Asked questions
How Can I Tell If My Brake Pads Need Replacing?
There are several telltale signs that your brake pads may need replacing. Common indicators include a squealing noise during braking, which often signifies that the wear indicators are coming into contact with the brake rotor, signaling it's time to replace the pads. Another symptom is a grinding sound, which means the pad material has worn away completely, and the metal backing plate is making contact with the rotor.
This situation requires immediate attention to prevent further damage. Also, pay attention to a dashboard warning light that might indicate low brake pad thickness. Regular inspections, particularly in a region like Savage where weather conditions can affect braking performance, are crucial to maintaining optimal safety.
What Makes Brakes Squeak?
Brakes can squeak for several reasons, and understanding these can help you address the issue. Often, the squeaking is due to vibration in the brake pads as they contact the rotors. This may be caused by dust accumulation, especially in areas where road salt is used heavily, like Savage.
Additionally, a lack of lubrication on the contact points of the brake caliper can also lead to squeaking. New brakes may also squeak as the pads settle into the rotors. However, constant or loud squeaking may indicate wear or failing components, which should be promptly evaluated by our technicians.
Why Does My Steering Wheel Shake When I Brake?
If your steering wheel shakes when you apply the brakes, it's typically a sign that the brake rotors have become warped. In Savage, repeated exposure to extreme temperatures and road conditions can lead to uneven rotor wear, causing this issue. When the pads contact these uneven surfaces, it causes a vibration that you feel in the steering.
Addressing this problem promptly is essential as it affects comfort and safety. Our team can inspect your braking system to determine the best course of action, whether it's resurfacing the rotors or replacing them to restore smooth operation.
How Often Should Brake Fluid Be Changed?
Brake fluid is crucial for the hydraulic function of your braking system, and regular changes are necessary to maintain performance. Typically, brake fluid should be changed every two years, but factors like local climate and driving conditions in Savage can influence this interval.
Moisture can accumulate in the fluid over time, reducing its boiling point and leading to brake fade, especially under heavy use. We recommend consulting our technicians for an evaluation tailored to your vehicle’s specific needs and ensuring optimal brake function.
What Is the Average Lifespan of Brake Pads?
The lifespan of brake pads can vary significantly based on your driving habits, the type of vehicle, and the materials used. On average, brake pads can last anywhere from 30,000 to 70,000 miles. In Savage, frequent stop-and-go driving typical of urban environments or harsh weather conditions can reduce pad life.
Regular maintenance and inspections are vital in assessing pad condition and predicting replacement needs. At Christian Brothers Automotive Savage, we offer insights and services designed to maximize the longevity of your brake pads while ensuring safety and performance remain uncompromised.
Stay safe on Savage roads—call us at (952) 592-5020 or book your service online now!
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.