How Our Brake Service Works
From your first call to picking up your vehicle, our process is built around keeping you informed and in control at every step.
Step 1: Schedule Your Appointment
Book online or call us directly. When you arrive, we gather details about what you’ve noticed so our technicians know exactly where to start.
Step 2: Digital Vehicle Inspection
Our ASE-certified technicians inspect your brake system and document findings with photos through our Digital Vehicle Inspection (DVI). Results are sent to your phone so you can see the condition of your brakes firsthand.
Step 3: Your Approval, Then the Work
A service advisor walks you through the findings in plain language. You decide what gets done. We don’t begin brake repair without your explicit, informed consent.
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.
Brake Care Built on Honesty
Our guiding principle is “Love your neighbor as yourself.” In practice, that means we don’t recommend parts or services you don’t need. When our Digital Vehicle Inspection (DVI) turns up a finding, your service advisor explains it in plain language before any decision is required. No jargon. No pressure. Just a clear picture of what your vehicle needs and why.
Brake Warning Signs & System Basics
Your brakes usually give you warning before they fail. Squealing during normal stops is often the first signal that pads are wearing thin. If that sound progresses to grinding, metal-on-metal contact has already begun and rotor damage becomes likely. Other signs worth scheduling around include a soft or spongy pedal, the vehicle pulling to one side under braking, vibration through the pedal or steering wheel, and an illuminated brake or ABS warning light. Catching these early can help keep repair costs lower and support safer operation.
How Disc & Drum Brakes Work
In a disc brake system, brake pads clamp against a rotor when you press the pedal. The friction slows the wheel, and the rotor disperses heat to help prevent overheating during repeated stops. Drum brake systems, common on rear axles of many vehicles, use curved brake shoes that press outward against the inner surface of a drum to create the same slowing effect. Both systems rely on consistent hydraulic pressure from brake fluid to translate pedal force into stopping power.
Brake fluid transmits that force through the hydraulic system. Over time, it absorbs moisture from the air, which lowers its boiling point and can make pedal response feel inconsistent, especially under hard or repeated braking. ABS adds another layer: wheel speed sensors detect when a wheel is about to lock during hard braking and modulate brake pressure automatically, which can help you maintain steering control through the stop.
How Long Do Brake Pads Last?
There’s no single answer. Brake pad lifespan ranges from approximately 25,000 to 70,000 miles depending on driving habits, vehicle type, and road conditions. City driving with frequent stops wears pads faster than highway miles. A free visual brake inspection on most vehicles is the most reliable way to know where yours stand.
When Should Brake Fluid Be Changed?
Brake fluid exchanges are generally recommended every 30,000 miles or two years, though your vehicle’s owner’s manual specifies the interval for your particular make and model. When in doubt, our courtesy inspection includes a visual check that can flag fluid condition as a starting point.
What Does an ABS Warning Light Mean?
An illuminated ABS light can indicate a broken wheel speed sensor, low fluid reservoir level, a malfunctioning ABS module, or a system that has been manually disabled. The light alone doesn’t tell you which one. A diagnostic is required to confirm the cause before any repair is recommended.
Does the Nice Difference® Warranty Cover Brake Work?
Yes. Brake Service performed at our Schertz location is covered by the Nice Difference® Warranty: a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty honored at any Christian Brothers Automotive location nationwide. If you have an extended warranty through a third-party provider, we work with all major extended warranty providers. Confirm coverage details when you schedule your appointment.
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.