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
Most drivers wait for a dashboard warning light, but your vehicle usually signals a problem well before that. Physical and audible symptoms show up earlier and give you more time to act before minor wear becomes expensive damage to your rotors or calipers.
Watch for these warning signs:
- Squealing Noises: High-pitched sounds indicate the wear indicators on your pads are exposed.
- Grinding Sounds: Metal-on-metal noise means brake pads are completely worn through.
- Soft Pedal: A spongy feeling when you press the brake often points to air in the lines or a fluid issue.
- Vehicle Pulling: The car drifts to one side while braking, typically indicating a stuck caliper or uneven wear.
- Vibration: Shaking in the steering wheel or pedal is usually 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. If you commute heavily around Star, ID, you may need inspections more frequently. Catching wear early keeps simple maintenance from turning into a costly system overhaul.
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 but the rotors are still smooth. If you hear grinding or feel vibrations, the rotors are likely damaged and may need resurfacing or replacement. Our inspection can identify exactly which components need attention.
Why Is My Brake Light on If My Brakes Feel Fine?
A dashboard warning light can point to several issues: low brake fluid, an ABS sensor malfunction, a broken wheel speed sensor, or a system that has been disabled. Even when the car feels normal, a professional diagnostic is the right call. Don’t assume normal-feeling brakes mean the underlying safety systems are functioning correctly.
Do You Offer a Warranty on Brake Repair Services?
Yes. We back all brake work with a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty honored at any Christian Brothers Automotive location nationwide. That coverage travels with you, so you’re covered whether you’re driving around Star or across the country.
Can I Just Top Off My Brake Fluid?
Topping off fluid can get you by temporarily, but low fluid usually signals a leak or significantly worn brake pads. Adding fluid without addressing the underlying cause doesn’t fix the problem. We recommend a full system evaluation to find the root cause and check how your brakes are performing.
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.