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?
Indications Your Brake Pads Need Replacement
Identifying when your brake pads need replacement is essential to maintaining a safe driving experience.
Key signs that it’s time for a replacement:
- Squeaking & Squealing Sounds: A high-pitched noise when braking could mean your brake pads are worn and need attention.
- Vibration When Braking: If you feel a pulsing or vibration in the brake pedal, it could signal problems with the brake pads or rotors.
- Longer Stopping Distance: Worn brake pads may lead to increased stopping distances, which can be dangerous.
- Thin Brake Pads: Visually inspecting the pad thickness through your wheel spokes can help identify if they're too thin, typically less than 1/4 inch.
Regularly checking these indicators can prevent more serious damage and ensure efficient braking performance. At Christian Brothers Automotive Shawnee, we offer comprehensive brake inspections as part of our commitment to transparency and reliability in Shawnee.
Our Brake Pad Replacement Process
At Christian Brothers Automotive Shawnee, our approach to brake pad replacement in Shawnee is rooted in transparency and reliability. We begin by thoroughly inspecting your vehicle's braking system to diagnose the condition of your brake pads and related components. Our ASE-certified technicians will then discuss the findings with you, avoiding technical jargon, so you completely understand the process and why replacement is necessary.
We use only high-quality, manufacturer-approved parts for our replacements, ensuring your vehicle's braking system functions as intended. Additionally, our dedication to customer care means we're here to answer any questions and provide you with recommendations tailored to your driving habits and vehicle type, ensuring you get the best possible service.
Contact us at (913) 946-7726 or online for reliable brake inspections, maintenance, repairs, and replacements in Shawnee, KS!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Replace My Brake Pads?
The frequency of brake pad replacement can vary based on your driving habits, the vehicle you own, and the conditions in which you drive. For most drivers in Shawnee, brake pads should be replaced every 30,000 to 70,000 miles. However, it's essential to have your brake system inspected regularly, especially if you frequently drive in stop-and-go traffic or tow heavy loads. Our technicians at Christian Brothers Automotive Shawnee will help assess your brake pads' condition and provide a personalized maintenance schedule.
It's crucial to note that heavy braking, frequent high-speed driving, and carrying heavy loads can all accelerate brake pad wear, demanding more frequent inspections and replacements. In addition, factors such as pad material—organic, semi-metallic, or ceramic—also influence longevity. We offer guidance on choosing the best type for your needs to optimize performance and lifespan.
What Factors Affect Brake Pad Wear?
Several factors can influence how quickly your brake pads wear out. Driving conditions, such as frequent city driving versus highway driving, play a significant role. City driving typically requires more braking and accelerating wear. Additionally, the type of brake pads, driving style, and vehicle weight can impact wear rates. Choosing brake pads suited to your vehicle use and maintaining them regularly to extend their lifespan is crucial.
Shawnee's local terrain and climate conditions can also contribute to brake pad wear. Hilly areas can necessitate additional braking effort, while heavy rains may demand more frequent stops, both of which can increase wear. By considering both environmental and personal driving variables, our technicians ensure that your brake system is optimally maintained for maximum safety and efficiency in Shawnee.
How Can I Tell If My Brake Pads Are Worn?
Worn brake pads often exhibit specific symptoms like squealing noises, reduced braking performance, or increased stopping distances. Regular inspections can help detect wear before it becomes problematic. At Christian Brothers Automotive Shawnee, we perform comprehensive brake inspections to ensure your vehicle remains safe and reliable. Addressing brake pad wear promptly can prevent further damage and enhance overall vehicle safety.
Paying attention to how your vehicle responds under different conditions can provide early insights into potential brake issues. If you notice a decrease in responsiveness during rainy weather or on uneven surfaces, this could indicate more extensive brake system wear. By conducting a quick check at the first sign of trouble, you can avoid costly repairs and maintain peace of mind on the road.
Can I Replace Brake Pads Myself?
While some car enthusiasts might attempt DIY brake pad replacement, it's important to remember that brakes are a safety-critical system. Without proper tools and expertise, mistakes can lead to serious safety hazards. At Christian Brothers Automotive Shawnee, our technicians have the experience and equipment necessary to replace brake pads correctly, ensuring optimal performance and safety.
Attempting DIY replacements without certified training can result in incorrect installations, compromising braking efficiency and possibly leading to additional costs in the long run. Our trained technicians at Christian Brothers Automotive Shawnee use advanced diagnostics and adhere to stringent quality standards, securing safety and reliability with every service. By choosing professional assistance, you minimize risks and extend the lifespan of your vehicle’s brake system.
What Makes CBAC Different for Brake Pad Replacement?
Christian Brothers Automotive Shawnee stands out in Shawnee for our commitment to treating customers with honesty and integrity. Our ASE-certified technicians use high-quality parts and provide transparent service without any technical jargon. As part of our local community, we offer a welcoming atmosphere and owner-operated service for personalized attention. Our comprehensive warranty demonstrates our confidence in the quality of our work.
By prioritizing customer education, we empower you to make informed decisions about your vehicle's maintenance. Our approach ensures clarity and transparency at every step, with detailed explanations and actionable advice. Choosing Christian Brothers Automotive Shawnee means aligning with a business that truly understands and values the Shawnee community, committed to fostering long-term safety and vehicle health.
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.