Brake Shop in Easton, PA.

It is recommended to have your brakes inspected at least once a year or every 12,000 miles. A simple answer is that you should have them checked with every tire rotation to ensure they are wearing evenly and functioning correctly. During an inspection at our brake shop in Easton, PA, we check pad thickness, rotor condition, caliper function, and the integrity of brake lines and hoses. This preventive approach enables us to identify potential problems early, maintain optimal performance, and help you avoid more costly emergency repairs.

The average lifespan of brake pads is typically between 30,000 and 70,000 miles. However, this can vary widely depending on the type of pads, your vehicle, and your driving style. The material of the pad (organic, semi-metallic, or ceramic) and your driving habits play a huge role; aggressive city driving wears pads much faster than smooth highway cruising. The condition of your rotors and calipers also affects pad life, which is why a thorough inspection of the entire braking system is crucial during any brake pad replacement service.

Driving with squeaky brakes is generally not safe because the sound is a built-in indicator that the pads are worn. The high-pitched squeal is often caused by a metal wear indicator tab contacting the rotor, alerting you that it’s time for a replacement. Ignoring this warning can lead to a grinding noise, indicating that the pads have worn out and you are causing expensive damage to the rotors. A professional inspection at a trusted brake shop in Easton, PA, is the only way to be certain of the cause and ensure your safety.

The anti-lock brake system (ABS) is a safety feature that prevents your wheels from locking up during hard braking. This allows you to maintain steering control and can help shorten stopping distances in certain conditions. The system uses sensors to monitor wheel speed and will rapidly pulse the brakes to prevent a skid, which you may feel in the pedal. If the ABS warning light comes on, it’s crucial to seek anti-lock brake system repair to ensure this critical safety feature is working correctly. A periodic brake fluid flush is also vital to the health of the ABS unit.

A typical brake service involves more than just swapping out old pads. It includes a thorough inspection of the entire braking system, including measuring pad and rotor thickness as well as checking for fluid leaks. Depending on the condition of the rotors, a rotor resurfacing service may be required to restore a smooth surface. The service also includes cleaning and lubricating caliper slide pins to ensure they move freely and applying a noise-dampening compound to the back of the new pads. Finally, we can perform an emergency brake adjustment if required.