Looking for a reliable auto repair shop in Orange, California for an affordable brake repair near you? Look no further than Chapman Auto Repair! Your brakes are one of the most important safety features on your car, so it’s crucial to keep them in good working order. If you’re hearing a squealing sound or not sure how to check your brakes, we can help. Our qualified mechanics will inspect your brakes and recommend the best course of action.
At Chapman Auto Repair, we use high-quality brake pads that will provide you with years of reliable service. If your rotors are warped, we can machine them to restore their smooth surface. We will also flush out your old brake fluid and replace it with fresh, clean fluid. Don’t wait until it’s too late! Schedule a brake inspection and service today and drive safely and confidently on the roads of Orange, California.
ASE-Certified Master Technicians
Our technicians are extremely well-qualified to work on your vehicles and their braking systems. Employing ASE-Certified Master Technicians means you and your vehicle benefit from the hundreds of hours of training courses, and thousands of hours of real, hands-on training and experience that our professional auto repair technicians have under their belt.
What are the signs that you need new brakes?
Look, listen
There are two ways to check for brake wear on disc brakes: by looking and by listening. First, check for wear by looking at your brake pads through the spaces between the wheel’s spokes. The outside pad will be pressed against a metal rotor. Generally, there should be at least 1/4 inch of the pad. If you see less than 1/4 inch of the pad, you may want to have your brake pads inspected or replaced.
Brakes that are kept in good working order can prevent costly repairs down the line, and, more importantly, help you avoid a collision.
Have you ever heard a high-pitched screeching sound when you applied your brakes?
That’s a small metal shim, called an indicator, which is giving you an audible warning that you need to replace your brake pads. You should be aware of this sound (which is loud enough to be heard while the windows are up, but not necessarily loud enough to be heard over the radio or air conditioner). If you hear it regularly, quickly make an appointment with us at Chapman Auto Repair.
One exception is if your car has been sitting after being exposed to water, such as from rain or from washing it. The moisture can cause a thin layer of rust to develop on the brake rotors. This is normal. When you first apply the brakes, the pads pressing on the rust-covered rotors may cause a squeal for a few stops until the rust is worn off and then the sound will disappear.
High Quality Brake Parts
As a NAPA AutoCare Center and doer of good business, we use only the highest quality brake parts available, and all parts are guaranteed to fit perfectly because they are designed specifically for your make and model. Not only that, but you get our 36-Month / 36,000mile Chapman Auto Repair Warranty along with the 24-Month / 24,000mile NAPA AutoCare Peace of Mind Nationwide Warranty backing you up. Peace of mind is right!
Here are some other signs of brake problems.
If you experience any of these, you should visit us at Chapman Auto Repair as soon as possible for a break repair:
Reduced responsiveness or fading
If your brakes are not as responsive as they should be or if the pedal “sinks” toward the floor, this could be an indication of a leak in the braking system. It could be an air leak (in the brake hose) or a brake fluid leak. One telltale sign of a brake fluid leak is the presence of a small puddle of fluid when the car is parked. Brake fluid looks similar to fresh motor oil, but with a less “slimy” texture.
Pulling
If your vehicle “pulls” to one side while braking, it may be a sign that the brake linings are wearing unevenly or that there is foreign matter in the brake fluid. Your vehicle may need a brake adjustment or to have the fluid drained and replaced.
Grinding or growling
This loud metallic sound means that you have worn down the pads completely, most likely beyond replacement. The grinding or growling noise is caused by the two pieces of metal (the disc and the caliper) rubbing together. This can “score,” or scratch your rotors, creating an uneven surface. If this happens, do not be surprised if your mechanic tells you that the rotors need to be “turned” (a process that evens out the rotor surface), or even replaced.
Vibration
A vibration or pulsating brake pedal is often a symptom of warped rotors (but can also indicate that your vehicle is out of alignment). The vibration can feel similar to the feedback in the brake pedal during a panic stop in a vehicle equipped with anti-lock brakes.
It is a sign of warped rotors if the vibration occurs during braking situations when the anti-lock brakes are not engaged. Warped rotors are caused by severe braking for long periods, such as when driving down a steep mountain or when towing. Tremendous amounts of friction are created under these conditions, heating up the rotors and causing them to warp. The vibration is felt because the brake pads are not able to grab the surface evenly. If you drive in these conditions, make sure to stop periodically to allow your brakes to cool off.
For many owners, maintaining the vehicle’s brakes is something that is often overlooked. But keeping your brakes properly calibrated and in good working order can prevent costly repairs down the line, and, more importantly, help you avoid a collision.
Schedule an appointment
Don’t wait until it’s too late! Schedule a brake inspection and service today. We’ll get your brakes back in good working order so you can drive safely and confidently.