Brakes don’t last forever, no matter how well you maintain your vehicle. When you need new brake pads or brake replacement, don’t settle for a backyard mechanic. Come to Kernersville Auto Center for brake service you can trust by an experienced, ASE-certified mechanic. Your brakes are one of the most important safety components of your vehicle; don’t delay when it’s time to change them! We can help you with any kind of vehicle repair or maintenance you may need. So, stop searching online for brake repair shops near me and give us a call or drop by.

Signs that You Need Brake Repair

When it comes to brakes, your vehicle typically shows signs that it’s time to replace them. This is usually not a repair that will sneak up on you. Some common signs you need auto brake repair include the following:

• Squealing or Squeaking – weird noises coming from your car when you step on the brakes are a clear indication that it’s time for a brake job. If you don’t have your brakes replaced at this point, you’ll start to experience grinding noises and vibrations instead. Don’t let it get to that point!
• Increased Breaking Distance – you know your car better than anyone. If you get a weird feeling that something is wrong or different, it’s always best to take it in for a check by one of our mechanics. When you notice that it’s taking longer to come to a stop or the brake pedal feels “soft” compared to how it used to feel, schedule an appointment.
• Dashboard Brake Light – some vehicles have a brake light on the dash that will pop on with it is time for brake service. However, don’t rely on this if you notice other indications that you need brake replacement.
• Leaking Fluids – Any fluid leak under your vehicle is a cause for concern. Brake fluid is usually yellow or brown, and if you spring a major brake fluid leak you’ll lose the ability to brake completely. Come in immediately if you think you have a brake fluid leak.

Other signs include vibrations, burning smells, and a vehicle that is pulling to one side. That said, one of the biggest signs that you’ll need brake repair soon is simply the age of your brakes. This is something we check annually as part of your North Carolina vehicle inspection, and we can give you recommendations when you’ll need new brakes.

Brake Maintenance

Proper maintenance of your vehicle today is the best way to prevent major issues in the future. The last thing you want to experience during your busy day is a break down or accident. Car maintenance doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming when you come into Kernersville Auto Center. Our experienced mechanics can get you on a good schedule for brake maintenance, and all other maintenance you need. We’re more than just a brake shop!

Brakes don’t wear out at the same standard rate for every car. It depends on the brake pad quality, your driving habits, whether or not you’re towing excess weight, and other factors. We recommend checking your brake pads for wear every 10,000 to 15,000 miles. Of course, if you are experiencing any of the previously mentioned signs, you’ll want to check your brakes immediately.

You’ll also want to flush your brake fluid around the 25,000 mile mark, or sooner if you notice issues. Your brake fluid is the messenger between the brake pedal you press and the actual mechanism that makes your vehicle stop. You’ll also want to “bleed” the line, which involves removing any excess air that got into the system, every few years.

We can inspect your brakes and perform any needed maintenance when you bring your vehicle in for other services, such as oil changes. You’ll need an oil change more frequently than brake services, but getting multiple services done in one appointment is a great way to save time. Or stop by anytime for a free brake check.

FAQs About Brake Repair Shops Near Me

Kernersville Auto Center mechanics are not just ASE-certified; we also have experience with top-quality customer service. At many brake repair shops near me, you might find yourself confused by the jargon or pressured to make a specific choice. Here, we take the time to explain the details in easy-to-understand language, presenting all the options for repair and maintenance. We want you to make the best decision possible for your car and budget. If you have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to ask. Here are a few common brake maintenance and repair questions we hear:

How much will it cost to fix my brakes?

It honestly depends on a number of factors, such as whether you need to replace braking components such as rotors, or just replace worn brake pads. Some vehicles have disc brakes, while others have drum brakes (typical on the back wheels). This can also affect the price. We will give you a full price quote for all necessary work before we start. Typically, you’ll pay less at our independent mechanic shop versus a dealership.

What does it mean if my parking brake light comes on?

Your parking brake helps keep your vehicle stationary when parked by locking the rear wheels. It’s completely separate from your hydraulic brakes that stop the vehicle while you are driving. If you get a dashboard notification that indicates a parking brake problem, come into our shop as soon as you can. While you want to keep all your vehicle parts in good working condition, you can drive to our shop even if the parking brake isn’t working correctly, since it will not affect the normal braking of your car.

Can I drive with brake problems or do I need to get a tow?

Towing is always the safer option if you are experiencing brake problems. If you simply need new brake pads because yours are worn, you are probably safe to drive into our shop. However, more serious issues or a complete lack of brake pads can be extremely dangerous. When in doubt, give us a call and we can give you our recommendation about whether or not to tow the vehicle instead of driving it. Contact us today for more information or to set up an appointment.