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?
What Houston Drivers Need to Know
Given Houston's size and traffic, reliable brakes are vital for safe driving. Regular inspections are key, especially if you notice squeaking, spongy pedals, or increased stopping distances. Houston's summer heat can affect brake components, underlining the importance of vigilant brake maintenance.
Houston's humidity can accelerate brake corrosion, making frequent checks crucial. Downtown Houston and the Galleria experience heavy traffic, which increases brake wear due to frequent stops. Proactive brake care mitigates risks, and our technicians offer insights specific to these conditions to extend your brakes' life and enhance safety.
Signs You Need the Service
Because safety is paramount, recognizing early warning signs can prevent a minor issue from turning into a costly car brake repair in Houston. If you notice any changes in how your vehicle slows down or handles, it is time to schedule a professional brake inspection. Watch for these common indicators that your vehicle needs immediate attention:
- Squealing or Grinding: High-pitched noises usually indicate that your brake pads are worn down to the metal indicators.
- Vibration: Shaking in the steering wheel or seat when stopping often signals warped rotors.
- Soft Pedal: A spongy feel or a pedal that goes to the floor can mean air or moisture is in the brake fluid.
- Pulling: If the car drifts to one side while braking, you may have a stuck caliper or uneven wear requiring brake replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Do if My Brakes Start Making Noise?
Hearing squeaking or grinding noises signals brakes need attention. At Christian Brothers Automotive Space Center, we recommend immediate brake inspections. Noises indicate worn pads or potential issues like rotor damage. Early attention helps prevent costly repairs and supports safety.
Noisy brakes can mean pads are worn to metal-on-metal contact with rotors, causing damage. Ignoring these issues leads to more expensive repairs. Prompt action preserves vehicle value and maintains performance. Our technicians provide personalized advice on maintenance habits for Houston's driving environment.
How Often Should I Have My Brakes Checked?
The frequency of brake checks varies with habits and conditions. We generally recommend inspections every six months or during routine maintenance visits. Houston's stop-and-go traffic can wear brakes faster, so proactive care keeps them in better condition.
In Houston, regular checks become vital. Inspections pinpoint early issues and allow corrective measures that can prevent potential failure. Our technicians are familiar with Houston-specific wear and tear and can offer schedules aligned with your usage patterns.
What Makes Brake Repairs Different at Christian Brothers Automotive Space Center?
Our brake repair approach is marked by transparency and education. Unlike others, we work to ensure you understand each needed service without overwhelming jargon. Our ASE-certified technicians use top-quality parts and equipment, which helps build trust and reliability.
Providing customers with clear explanations and personalized advice makes the process less daunting. Manufacturer-quality equipment and industry best practices support consistent service that aligns with your expectations and vehicle needs. This commitment is one reason Houston drivers turn to us for brake maintenance and repair.
How Can Houston's Climate Affect My Brakes?
Houston's heat affects brake systems. High temperatures can degrade brake fluid and increase pad and rotor wear. Regular inspections help address climate-related issues and support brake safety and effectiveness.
Fluctuating weather—from heat to rain—also affects braking performance. Hot days cause thermal expansion, which can impact consistency. Our technicians consider these local factors and offer solutions suited for Houston’s challenges, supporting year-round safety and performance.
What Happens During a Brake Inspection?
At Christian Brothers Automotive Space Center, brake inspections include comprehensive checks of pad thickness, rotor condition, and fluid levels. We explain any needed repairs and help you plan the next steps so your brake system continues to perform well in Houston's conditions.
Inspections are thorough, including checks for even braking and a stable pedal feel for smoother stops and safety. We evaluate brake lines and calipers to confirm proper operation. This approach detects early issues, helps maintain safety and vehicle condition, and can prevent future problems, so you stay confident on Houston's roads.
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.