Brake Services & Repairs
Your brake system is one of those things that you usually don’t think twice about most of the time. That is until the first sign of trouble appears such as grinding, squealing, vibration, etc. Then it becomes a major concern. At Goodguys Tires & Auto Repair, part of our commitment to great service is keeping you out of harm’s way. A big part of this is ensuring that your vehicle can safely and effectively stop whenever you need it to. So, when you need brake repair in Fresno and the surrounding area, bring your vehicle in to our experts here at Goodguys. We can provide a free brake inspection that will pinpoint any issues that may be present and then perform the top-quality auto service you are looking for. We’ll also examine both the hydraulics system and friction materials, including the vehicle’s:
- Brake rotors
- Brake pads
- Brake shoes
- Brake calipers
- Brake system lines and hoses
- Master cylinder (contains the piston assembly and brake fluid)
Next, our certified technicians and service managers will recommend the necessary brake repair that can get your vehicle stopping safely in no time. Our helpful team will make you feel right at home with exceptional customer service, while we perform your brake repairs quickly and efficiently.
Your Local Experts in Brake Repair & Auto Service
When you are searching for a local brake shop, look no further than Goodguys. Whether you simply need minor servicing or a full brake pad replacement, our ASE-certified technicians can help. Our team is experienced in all types of brake repair and service, including:
- Brake fluid flush and replacement
- Resurfacing of brake rotors and/or drums (where applicable)
- Installation of new, premium-grade brake pads and/or shoes
- Lubrication of each brake caliper and related hardware
- Inspecting and repacking wheel bearings (if applicable)
With Goodguys, it’s easy to ensure your vehicle’s safety on the road and extend the life of your brake system. Schedule your brake service and repair with us today! In addition to our quality brake repair service, we’re also well-known for our competitive pricing. We regularly measure ourselves against competitors in the area to make sure you get the best price every time.
Extend Your Vehicle’s Life With Regular Brake Checks
Bringing your vehicle in regularly for a thorough brake check can help your brake system last longer and it allows issues to be detected early. Your driving habits, driving conditions, the type of brake pads on your vehicle, etc., will all impact how your brakes wear. So how often you may need brake service or repair can vary. It is recommended to have a brake inspection done every 6,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. It is also recommended to have your vehicle inspected immediately if you notice any braking problems. Bring your vehicle to your closest Goodguys location today for a FREE brake check.
Signs That You May Need Brake Service
There are some red flags you should be mindful of that can point to a possible issue with your brake system such as:
- When the brake light is illuminated on the dashboard
- When you hear unusual sounds like grinding, squealing or thumping
- When there’s reduced resistance in the brake pedal when pressed
- When you can feel your vehicle pulling to one side while braking
- When you can see yellow brake fluid leaking from your vehicle
- When you can feel vibration in the pedal while braking
- When you need more distance to come to a stop
If any of the above is happening, bring your vehicle to your closest Goodguys location for a brake inspection ASAP.
Frequently Asked Questions
As you press the brake pedal, several things happen almost instantaneously. First, a lever connected to it is pushed into a cylinder that is filled with hydraulic brake fluid. This creates pressure that forces the fluid to travel through the brake lines and into the brake calipers at each wheel. When the fluid reaches the calipers, the pistons in the calipers are actuated and squeeze the brake pads against the rotors, causing friction. This friction is what slows down the wheels and tires, bringing your vehicle to a stop. This is why routine brake checks are so important. You want to make sure each part of your brake system is working properly and can provide the necessary stopping power. Here at Goodguys, brake repair is one of the things we specialize in, so you can trust us to help keep your vehicle safe on the road. Schedule your brake service appointment today at the Goodguys Tires & Auto Repair location nearest you!
Your rotors are a critical component of your braking system and they help to bring your vehicle to a stop. But, because they are metal, they do wear down over time as they are used and as a result, your stopping power will be reduced as it occurs. Brake rotors can also start to warp due to excessive heat generated while braking. To remedy this, your brake rotors can be resurfaced, commonly referred to as being “turned,” as long as there is still enough metal to safely do so. “Turning” rotors involves putting them on a lathe and using an extremely sharp bit to cut into the surface. This creates an even and smooth surface again, allowing your brake pads to effectively create the friction needed to stop your vehicle. Once you bring your vehicle in for brake repair, our ASE-certified technicians can determine if your brake rotors can be effectively “turned” or if it is time to replace them.
By slowly working some of the good driving habits below into your routine, it can help extend the life of your brake pads and rotors:
Driving with only one foot: You do not want to use your left foot to brake before your right foot has completely let off the gas pedal. Attempting to brake while there is still pressure on the accelerator requires much more effort from your brake system.
Obeying the speed limit: Making sudden stops, especially from higher speeds, is very taxing on your brake system components.
Being observant of traffic: Giving yourself enough time and space to brake more gradually or even coasting, allows the engine to decelerate, which puts much less strain on the braking system.
Minimizing the weight in your vehicle: Reducing the weight in the trunk or back of your vehicle will require less braking power.
Bringing your vehicle in for brake inspections regularly: Driving with worn brake components puts more stress on the rest of the system. As a result, having regular inspections and getting brake pad replacement done as necessary will ensure the safety of your vehicle and prevent more expensive repairs down the road.
If your brake warning light is illuminated on your dashboard, it should not be ignored. This can indicate a variety of different brake system issues, from simple to urgent. Some possible reasons it may be on can be:
Your parking brake is on: Before driving, make sure your parking brake is not engaged. Driving with this on can quickly overheat the brakes, wear down the brake pads, and damage the brake fluid.
There’s an anti-lock brake system (ABS) issue: Many newer vehicles show an ABS warning light to indicate a problem. But, if your vehicle does not, the brake light can indicate that there’s a problem within the ABS.
The brake fluid is low: If your brake fluid level is low, it can cause the brake light to turn on. You may have a fluid leak in your brake system, which should be addressed immediately.
A failing sensor: A faulty brake fluid sensor or parking brake sensor can cause the brake light to be illuminated. Our technicians can confirm the issue and replace the sensor if needed.
An electrical problem: An issue within your vehicle’s wiring can sometimes cause the brake warning light to come on. If your brake warning light is on, bring your vehicle to your closest Goodguys Tires & Auto Repair location today.
Brake replacement intervals can vary depending on your vehicle’s make and model and your driving habits. Generally, manufacturers recommend regular brake inspections every 10,000-12,000 miles. This allows any potential issues to be caught early on.
The frequency of brake pad replacements usually ranges from 20,000 to 30,000 miles, but factors such as aggressive driving or frequent city stop-and-go traffic can wear them down faster. Your owner’s manual will give you the most accurate service intervals specific to your vehicle. Remember, staying on top of brake maintenance is crucial for optimal stopping power.
Ideally, all four brake pads should be replaced simultaneously to ensure consistent braking performance and minimize strain on your rotors. There are several benefits to doing this:
- Balanced braking: New pads on all four wheels ensure consistent braking pressure and prevent your car from pulling to one side when stopping.
- Reduced rotor wear: Even wear across the pads minimizes stress on the rotors, potentially extending their life span and delaying the need for resurfacing or replacement.
- Maximized safety: Replacing all pads ensures optimal stopping power and minimizes the risk of brake fade, which is particularly important in emergencies.
However, there can be exceptions. A qualified mechanic can assess the condition of each brake pad and determine if replacing only the most worn set might be a possibility. Ultimately, prioritize your safety and get a professional recommendation based on your vehicle’s specific needs.
The time needed for service at a Fresno brake shop depends on the complexity of what is needed. For routine brake pad replacement, it usually takes one to two hours. However, more extensive repairs, such as replacing rotors or calipers, can take several hours.
Pro tip: When contacting a brake repair shop, be clear about the service you need and mention your vehicle’s make and model. This allows them to provide a more accurate time frame based on the specific job needed. Remember, waiting a bit longer for a comprehensive repair ensures your brakes function optimally.
A comprehensive brake service typically includes a multipoint inspection and potential repairs to ensure safe and efficient stopping power. Here’s a breakdown of what’s involved:
Brake inspection includes:
- Brake pad thickness: measuring the remaining pad material to determine if replacement is necessary.
- Rotor condition: inspecting rotors for warping, cracks, or excessive wear that might require resurfacing or replacement.
- Hydraulic components: checking brake lines, calipers, and other hydraulic parts for leaks, damage, or proper operation.
Brake Replacements (if needed):
- Brake pads: swapping out worn pads with new ones to restore optimal stopping power.
- Rotors: resurfacing rotors to smooth out imperfections or replacing them entirely if they are severely damaged.
Additional Services (in some cases):
- Brake fluid flush: Remove old, moisture-contaminated brake fluid and replace it with fresh fluid to maintain hydraulic pressure and braking performance.
