Brakes & Brake Repair
You get used to your brakes. How they sound, how the pedal feels – and how quickly they stop your vehicle. Then one day, your brakes just aren’t the same. Your brakes sound funny. Your pedal feels funny – and you need to press it farther. Worst of all, it takes longer and longer to come to a stop.
We created Midas Secure Stop® brake service for you. We hate surprises (at least behind the wheel) as much as you do. But we know change is inevitable. Brake pads and rotors wear out from the immense friction and heat they encounter. Air gets into brake lines. And your brake system has dozens of other components that can wear out at any time. It takes Midas expertise to bring your braking confidence back.
When you come in for any brake problem, our Midas Auto Service Experts® conduct a 55-point inspection of your brakes. Then we take the time to thoroughly explain your vehicle’s condition and tell you which problems are urgent (and which can wait). We discuss the best options for your budget and provide a written estimate before making any repairs.
Types of Brake Service at Midas
- 55-Point Brake Inspection – to diagnose that spongy brake pedal, discover why your brake light is on, or just check out your brakes as part of routine maintenance.
- Brake Pad Replacement – for routine brake maintenance.
- Brake Rotor Service – to complete your brake pad replacement. We’ll smooth out brake pad wear if necessary, or recommend new rotors if you need them.
- Brake Shoe Replacement – similar to brake pad replacement, for drum style brakes.
- Brake Drum Service – similar to brake rotor service, for drum style brakes.
- Brake Fluid Service – from routine brake fluid exchange to brake fluid leak repair.
- Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Service – from your ABS sensors to the system computer module.
- Brake Repair – to all parts of your brake system, from the power brake booster to the parking brake assembly.
Whether you suspect a brake problem (thanks to your brake light, brake pedal, or a suspicious leak), or you’ve just hit your vehicle’s recommended service interval, start by requesting a brake service appointment.
What does brake service include?
Common brake services include:
- Brake pad or brake shoe replacement
- Brake rotor resurfacing or brake drum turning
- Brake rotor or drum replacement
- Brake fluid exchange or flushing
- Brake line leak repair
- Brake light diagnosis
What’s included in a brake job depends on where each part is in its lifecycle. For example, you may or may not need new rotors with your replacement brake pads. But some brake services need to be duplicated on both wheels of the same axle. Multiple systems in your vehicle are designed for the parts on both sides of your vehicle to be in matching condition.
A brake inspection should include a check of all brake parts and connectors, dashboard lights, external brake lights, brake fluid condition, and hydraulic pressure through the brake lines.
How often do my brakes need to be serviced?
Depending on your vehicle, climate, brake parts, and driving patterns, your brake pads or shoes may last anywhere from 20,000 to 80,000 miles. Brake fluid can last 2-5 years. With such an unpredictable replacement cycle, regular brake inspection is essential. Check your vehicle owner’s manual for your brake inspection schedule – every 10,000-12,000 miles or every year are common recommendations.
How can I tell when I need new brakes?
You may need new brake pads, rotors, or new brake fluid when you notice any new sound or diminished pedal response when you brake. Worn brake pads can squeak – and the situation will worsen until you hear the grinding sound of unprotected rotors. Worn pads and low brake fluid pressure can each cause a nerve-wracking delay in pedal response. Warped rotors cause vibrations when braking (not to be confused with the expected pulsing sensation of your ABS kicking in).
What are the signs and symptoms of failing brakes?
Here are some common signs of failing brakes:
- Dashboard lights or warnings – Your BRAKE light, ABS light or Check Engine light may indicate brake problems.
- Leaking brake fluid – Any fluid leak should be inspected.
- Any change in brake response – Taking longer to stop or needing to press the pedal farther are classic symptoms of brake trouble.
- Any new noise when braking – Squealing, grinding, squeaking, or rattling? Check the brake pads and rotors. Hissing sounds? Suspect a brake fluid leak problem.
- Any shaking or vibration when braking – Rough stops may mean warped rotors. (But a pulsing pedal can simply be your ABS in action.)
- Soft or spongy brakes – Spongy brakes suggest a problem in your brake fluid lines, or brake shoes.
- Hard or stiff brakes – You may have contaminants in the brake fluid or a bad seal on the master cylinder or brake booster.
- Engine misfiring or stalling – You may have a bad power brake booster.
- Vehicle pulling to one side when braking – You could have faulty brake hardware or an uneven hydraulic issue.