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?
Signs You Need a Professional Brake Check
Your vehicle often gives you warning signs before your brakes fail completely. Ignoring these subtle hints can lead to more expensive repairs down the road or, worse, compromised safety on busy St. Louis County highways like I-44. If your daily commute feels different or you notice changes in how your vehicle handles a stop, it is time for a professional evaluation to ensure your system is functioning correctly.
Watch for these five common indicators that your brakes need immediate attention:
- High-Pitched Squealing: A persistent noise usually indicates the brake pads have worn down to their safety indicators.
- Grinding Sounds: A metal-on-metal growl suggests pads are completely gone, causing damage to the rotors.
- Vibration or Wobbling: Shaking in the steering wheel or seat when stopping often points to warped or uneven rotors.
- Soft or Spongy Pedal: If the pedal goes to the floor or feels "mushy," you may have air in the lines or a master cylinder issue.
- Vehicle Pulling: If your car drifts to one side while braking, it could indicate a stuck caliper or uneven brake pad wear.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Do If My Brake Warning Light Comes On?
If a brake warning light appears on your dashboard, it is crucial to determine if it is the red brake system light or the amber ABS light. A red light often indicates a serious drop in hydraulic pressure or low fluid, which means your vehicle may not be able to stop safely. An amber ABS light usually signals a fault in the anti-lock system; while your standard brakes will likely still function, the safety features that prevent skidding are disabled.
For a red warning light, we strongly recommend pulling over immediately and calling for a tow to avoid the risk of total brake failure. If the light is amber, you can usually drive with caution to our shop for a diagnostic scan. Regardless of the color, bringing your vehicle to Christian Brothers Automotive Valley Park for an inspection is the best way to identify the fault and restore your peace of mind on the road.
Why Are My Brakes Squeaking in the Morning?
Morning squeaks are often caused by moisture that accumulates on the brake rotors overnight, creating a thin layer of surface rust. This usually scrapes off after a few stops, and the noise should disappear. However, if the squealing persists throughout your drive, the built-in wear indicator on your brake pads is likely warning you that they are thin and need replacement.
It is important not to ignore persistent noises. While morning moisture is harmless, a constant squeal is a safety feature designed to alert you before damage occurs to your rotors. If you are unsure, stop by for a courtesy inspection so we can verify the source of the noise.
Is It Necessary to Replace Rotors With Brake Pads?
While it was once common to just swap out pads (a practice known as "pad slapping"), modern manufacturers generally recommend replacing or resurfacing rotors when changing pads. Placing new pads on old, grooved rotors can lead to uneven wear, noise, and reduced stopping power. It may also void the warranty on the new parts.
At Christian Brothers Automotive Valley Park, we measure your rotors to see if they can be safely machined (resurfaced) or if they need replacement. We prioritize the option that provides the safest performance and the best long-term value for your investment, ensuring you don’t have to return for the same issue a few months later.
What Is a Brake Fluid Exchange and Why Do I Need It?
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air over time. This water content lowers the fluid's boiling point, which can lead to brake fade during hard stops or steep descents. Additionally, moisture causes internal corrosion in the calipers, master cylinder, and ABS components, leading to expensive repairs.
A brake fluid exchange involves flushing out the old, contaminated fluid and replacing it with fresh fluid that meets manufacturer specifications. This service restores a firm pedal feel and protects your critical brake components from rust and corrosion, extending the life of the entire system.
How Long Does a Brake Service Take?
Most standard brake repairs, such as pad and rotor replacement, can be completed within the same day. We understand that being without your vehicle is inconvenient, so we work efficiently to diagnose the issue and complete the repairs accurately. For more complex issues involving the ABS system or master cylinder, we will provide a specific time estimate before beginning work.
To make your experience easier, we offer a complimentary shuttle service to take you to work or home while we service your vehicle. We keep you updated via text or phone throughout the process, so you know exactly when your car is ready to get back on the road.
Your Local Christian Brothers Amenities
FAQs
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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
-
"The staff is always incredibly helpful & kind. I am always able to get an appointment quickly & have a quick pick-up as well. I love that they call to explain the quote estimate in more detail, & call to explain any changes to the quote & c"
- Emily