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?
Common signs you need brake repair
Many drivers wait until a warning light appears, but your vehicle often gives physical and audible clues that brake repair is needed sooner. Paying attention to these early warning signs can prevent minor wear from turning into expensive damage to your rotors or calipers.
Watch for these common indicators that your vehicle requires professional attention:
- Squealing Noises: High-pitched sounds indicate the wear indicators on your pads are exposed.
- Grinding Sounds: Metal-on-metal noise suggesting brake pads are completely worn down.
- Soft Pedal: A spongy feeling when pressing the brake, often pointing to air in the lines or fluid issues.
- Vehicle Pulling: The car drifts to one side while braking, indicating a stuck caliper or uneven wear.
- Vibration: Shaking in the steering wheel or pedal caused by warped rotors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I schedule a routine brake service?
We generally recommend a brake check every 12,000 miles or whenever you have your tires rotated. However, if you commute heavily around Star, ID, you might need inspections more frequently. Regular checks help identify wear early, allowing for simpler maintenance rather than costly system overhauls.
How do I know if I need a full repair or just pads?
You typically need brake pad replacement when the friction material is worn down, but the rotors are still smooth. If you hear grinding or feel vibrations, it likely means the rotors are damaged and require resurfacing or replacement. Our comprehensive inspection will determine exactly which components need attention.
Why is my brake light on if my brakes feel fine?
A dashboard warning light can indicate various issues, from low brake fluid levels to a malfunction in the anti-lock brake system (ABS) sensors. Even if the car feels normal, it is crucial to have a professional perform a diagnostic to ensure your safety systems are active.
Do you offer a warranty on brake repair Star services?
Yes, at Christian Brothers Automotive Star, we stand behind our workmanship and parts with an industry-leading warranty. We believe in doing the job right the first time, and our warranty coverage provides you with peace of mind knowing you are protected against defects long after you leave our shop.
Can I just top off my brake fluid?
While topping off fluid can be a temporary fix, low fluid usually indicates a leak or significantly worn brake pads. We recommend a full system evaluation rather than just adding fluid, as this ensures we address the root cause of the drop in pressure and maintain your safety.
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.