Brake Repair
More Than 20 Years of Experience Servicing & Repairing Brakes
We have brake repair shops in the Houston, Texas area near you providing quality brake service and repair across the Gulf Coast region. Our brake shop provides brake maintenance and repair service for anti-lock brakes, drum brakes, disc brakes, and more. If you suspect your brakes are going out, they are noisy or making a grinding sound, you need to have them looked at immediately to avoid a potentially fatal brake failure incident. Our locally-owned brake shops in Houston include one in North Houston on Jones Rd; West Houston in Bear Creek on Highway 6 North; in Katy, Texas on Mason Rd; a Kingwood, Texas shop in Porter; an Energy Corridor location on Dairy Ashford near Memorial; and our newest location in Montgomery, Texas near Conroe and The Woodlands. Call and schedule your brake service today!
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY VEHICLE’S BRAKES NEED TO BE SERVICED OR REPAIRED?
You should schedule brake service if:
- you hear a squealing noise, grinding, or scraping sounds when you hit the brakes;
- you experience brake malfunction or reduced braking power;
- you notice a brake fluid leak or your check engine light says it’s low
- the car is reaching the manufacturer’s suggested brake service mileage since the last service.
Drivers too often discover they need brake service because of a scraping sound coming from one or more wheels. It is also not uncommon for drivers to be unaware of this sandpaper-like scraping sound. If someone tells you they hear a bad sound, driver safety requires that you schedule an appointment to have the brakes promptly inspected.
Regardless of system alerts or scraping sounds, drivers would be wise to have brake systems checked at least once per year or every 15,000 miles, whichever occurs sooner. Drivers should also take immediate measures to have the safety system examined if the brake light comes on.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN WHEN MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT INDICATES A BRAKE PROBLEM?
These are some of the malfunctions that may have occurred when the console light activates.
- Low Brake Fluid & Brake Fluid Leak: The warning sensor may activate because the fluid necessary for adequate braking has declined. It’s important for drivers to understand that topping off the fluid may not address the problem. While fluids can decline naturally over time, the risk of a leak in the lines can be significant. Low brake fluid could indicate an escalating hazard.
- Worn Brake Pads: Brake pads need regular replacement because this is the part of the system that makes a connection and stops the wheel from turning. When pads wear thin, the risk of the brake caliper scraping and damaging the rotor increases. This can result in diminished stopping ability and increased repair costs. If yours are worn there’s one thing left to do: replace brake pads.
- Faulty Anti-Lock Brake Speed Sensors: These sensors are generally housed near the wheel and they track the vehicle’s rate of speed. They relay information about tire rotation to an ABS module. When they malfunction, the failure triggers the ABS warning light. In many cases, the vehicle’s anti-lock braking system will not function properly.
The early warning alerts in a vehicle’s console are excellent indicators that service and repair are necessary. However, some models do not come equipped with advanced warning systems and drivers must rely on noticing changes in the way the automobile sounds or handles.
Recognizing and Avoiding Brake Failure
Brake systems are certain to wear down during routine driving. They can also be damaged by hard impacts or adverse conditions. Although brakes are often taken for granted, it’s important for drivers to not rely entirely on sensor alerts. Recognizing some of the signs that your brakes require service and repair can help keep you and your family safe. Consider these signs of potential brake system problems.
- Shaking: If your pedal begins to shake when coming to a stop, this could point to a rotor or drum being what is called “out-of-round.” The vibrations are caused by uneven braking systems and may also be caused by worn-out pads, calipers, and other hardware. If you feel a bouncing sensation when applying the brake pedal, your system requires service.
- Grinding: Ranked among the most common indicators that the brake system needs immediate service, this sound occurs when metal scrapes on metal. It often occurs from worn-out parts or misaligned pads.
- Fluid Leaks: Although the most common stain on the ground or driveway stems from leaking oil, brake fluid leaks tend to be distinguishable because they are more reddish or light brown. This type of stain is a serious safety concern because a loss of brake fluid pressure can result in the vehicle failing to stop as expected.
There are also factors that can contribute to brake systems faltering or requiring more regular service. Overuse in high traffic areas that call for more frequent stops can wear out brake parts. Also, heavy loads place additional strain on brake systems.
These are some of the reasons that vehicle owners are best served by working with an experienced auto repair facility on an ongoing basis. Knowing you, your car and driving tendencies can help avoid problems before they occur.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I GET MY BRAKES SERVICED?
A vehicle’s brakes and the brake system should be checked at least once a year, but professionals recommend you have them looked at every 6 months or 15,000 miles, but more often if you suspect a problem.
Importance of Regular Brake Service
Scheduling routine brake inspections and service should be part of your overall car maintenance program. Brake systems are equally, if not more vital than other forms of ongoing service. It’s also important that you work with an experienced auto repair facility with technicians who specialize in brake system service. Routine brake service generally includes the following.
- Brake pad and shoe replacement at set intervals
- Rotor and drum resurfacing as needed
- Replacing brake fluids on a regular basis
- Inspecting brake lines
- Inspecting brake system components and hardware
- Full diagnostic assessment of braking systems
Regular brake system service can be conveniently scheduled with oil and fluid updates. If warning sensors indicate an issue or other signs point to a potential hazard, it’s important to have your brakes inspected and serviced promptly.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I HAVE MY BRAKE PADS REPLACED?
It depends on the type of brake and the manufacturer’s suggested service schedule. Most automotive brake pads should be replaced every 25, 000 to 75,000 miles. Check your owner’s manual to see what your vehicle’s manufacturer recommends.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD DRUM BRAKES BE REPLACED?
Brake drums are meant to last up to 200,000 miles, but they often require replacement much sooner than that. Typically they are replaced in pairs, so either both front or both back drum brakes at the same time.
Schedule Brake Service
If your brakes are due for service or if you just want an expert brake mechanic to look them over, call My Transmission Experts today or request an appointment online!
SEE ALSO
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BRAKE REPAIR SERVICES
- Brake Line Leak Repair
- Replace Calipers
- Change Brake Pads
- Disk Brake Replacement
- Brake Maintenance
- Inspect Brakes
- Brake Maintenance
- Service Squeaky Brakes