Brake Repair

Brake Repair Service in Hudson, WI, and Stillwater, MN

While some car repairs and maintenance services can be put off until a more convenient time, brake repair is an emergency auto repair service that needs to be completed immediately. Your vehicle’s brakes directly impact its safety, and a problem with your brakes can put your life in danger and increase your risk of an accident or crash. If you suspect something is wrong with your brakes, you should schedule a brake repair service immediately. At Tire Pros & Wheel Experts, our auto technicians are ASE-certified and have decades of experience in brake inspection, regular brake maintenance, and brake repair services. Call us today to request an estimate or schedule brake repair in Hudson, WI, or Stillwater, MN.

Importance of Brake Repair Services

Your vehicle’s braking system consists of brake pads, shoes, calipers, rotors, and other elements that work together to ensure your vehicle stops safely and efficiently when you press the brake pedal. When you press the brake pedal, you activate a cylinder that delivers brake fluid to your braking system’s calipers. The calipers then engage your brake pads, which apply pressure to the rotors, which creates friction that stops your vehicle. A problem with any one of these elements can cause your vehicle to stop too slowly, not stop at all, or skid. Scheduling regular brake maintenance and brake inspections can uncover early warning signs of problems that will only get bigger, more dangerous, and more expensive over time.

Importance of Regular Brake Maintenance

Regular automotive brake maintenance includes brake inspections, diagnostic services, and replacement parts of your braking system that are worn out or damaged, like the pads, calipers, rotors, wheel cylinders, hardware, hoses, cables, fluid, and more. Scheduling brake maintenance and other preventive vehicle maintenance services allows us to determine if there is any problem with your vehicle's braking system and repair it before it becomes a safety issue. Brake maintenance also extends the lifespan of all parts of your vehicle's braking system. It ensures they perform properly, making you less likely to experience an accident or breakdown.

Keeping up with your vehicle’s preventive auto maintenance schedule will:

Maintain compliance with your vehicle warranty and vehicle insurance policy.
Reduce your risk of an accident, crash, or breakdown.
Extend the lifespan of your vehicle and its parts.
Reduce your risk of wear and tear, damage, and degradation of parts.
Maintain your safety while driving - and the safety of others on the road.
Maintain the value of your vehicle or increase its resale value.
Enhance vehicle performance and maintain gas mileage.

Signs You Need Brake Repair or Brake Replacement

The sooner you schedule brake maintenance or brake repair, the easier and less expensive the services are likely to be. If you contact us as soon as you see these warning signs you need brake repair or replacement, we can protect your safety on the road:

Visible degradation or wear and tear on the brake pads.
A high-pitched screeching noise when you press the brake pedal.
Your vehicle is slow to stop when you press the brake pedal.
Using the brake pedal causes the vehicle to shake or vibrate.
The brakes are very sensitive or unresponsive.
There are puddles of fluid under your vehicle.
You hear a grinding sound when you use the brakes.
Your vehicle pulls to one side when driving.
Your vehicle’s brake pad indicator light turns on.
Your vehicle’s low brake fluid level indicator turns on.
There are visible grooves on the surface of the rotor.
The brake pedal feels low or spongy.
You hear a clicking noise when the brake pedal is pushed or released.

FAQs About Brake Repair Services

How Do I Know if I Need Brake Repair?

Brake pad material is ceramic or semi-metallic, lasting 60,000 miles or more. Since brake pads wear so slowly, it can be easy not to notice a decrease in braking performance as they wear down. These are all sure signs, though:

Excessive brake pedal travel.
The brake pedal feels "soft" or spongy underfoot.
Longer stopping distances.
Tendency for one or more wheels to lock up and skid while braking.
Pulsation or vibration through the brake pedal.
The vehicle pulls to one side while braking.

What Is Included in a Brake Inspection?

Our brake inspection services include:

Checking the brake pedal, fluid, brake lines, hoses and cables, and all brake assemblies.
Running electronic diagnostic reports on the car.
Checking parking brakes and emergency brakes.
Take your vehicle for a test drive.
Performing a visual inspection of the engine.
Checking for leaking fluids.
Inspecting the vehicle’s undercarriage.
Checking all wheel components.

How Often Do I Need Brake Maintenance?

You should schedule regular brake maintenance every 20,000-60,000 miles or when you notice an issue with your brakes. If you drive daily, you should schedule a brake inspection every six months.

How Long Should My Brakes Last?

The lifespan of your brakes will depend on the make and model of your vehicle, how often you drive, and whether you schedule regular brake maintenance. In general, your vehicle brakes should last between 25,000 and 65,000 miles.

Can I Prevent Brake Problems?

You may not always be able to prevent brake problems, but you can extend the lifespan of your brakes and reduce your risk of brake problems:

Drive at a safe speed, and don't tailgate other vehicles.
Don’t slam on your brakes.
Coast to a stop when possible rather than hitting the brakes hard.
Drive with one foot.
Schedule regular brake inspections and brake maintenance.

Schedule a Brake Inspection With Tire Pros & Wheel Experts

If you can’t remember the last time your vehicle’s braking system was inspected, contact our team at Tire Pros & Wheel Experts. We are a locally owned and operated auto repair shop with decades of experience. Our auto technicians are ASE-certified and committed to providing auto services with honesty and integrity. We specialize in preventive vehicle maintenance, vehicle inspections, vehicle repairs, and more. We also offer loaner vehicles and free shuttle services to customers. Call us today or contact us online to schedule a brake inspection or brake repair services in Hudson, WI, or Stillwater, MN.