Free Brake Check – Proper Brake Inspection

Brakes are a critical safety feature for all vehicles, perhaps the most important (although all safety features are important). The brakes allow for the deceleration and control of a very heavy object moving at high speeds. For your safety and the safety of everyone on the road, brakes should be properly maintained.

Symptoms of Brake Problems

If you answer positively to any of the following, then it’s time to get your brakes checked:

• On your dashboard a brake light is illuminated (with the emergency brake disengaged).
• You feel your vehicle is taking longer to stop than it should.
• There is a high pitched squeal as you’re braking. The sound may or may not be audible over the sound of the car stereo.
• There is grinding while braking. (If grinding is occurring then you may be in danger while driving and the repair job will be more expensive).
• The car pulls to one side while driving or braking.
• The brake pedal vibrates as you’re braking.
• You have to push the brake pedal all the way to floor in order to get your car to stop OR. . .
• Your brakes engage with the slightest touch of the pedal.

What Is Included With The Free Brake Check?

A free brake check includes a visual inspection of the master cylinder, slave cylinders, brake lines, shoes and drums, and pads and rotors. Further details are included below under “A Proper Brake Inspection”.

A brake check is included with our Free Safety Check.

A Proper Brake Inspection

A proper brake inspection will include a visual inspection of all vehicle parts related to the brakes both under the hood and leading to the wheels where the brakes are applied while driving. It may also include a test drive of the vehicle.

The technician will inspect the following under the hood:

• brake master cylinder for leaks
• level and condition of the brake fluid
• all brake lines for leaks
• anti-lock brake module for leaks or loose or damaged connectors

Next the technician raises the vehicle on hydraulic lifts and removes the wheels. The tires are inspected for wear or wear patterns. If the vehicle has drum brakes then the drums are removed. Then the technician inspects the following:

• All brake lines and hoses for leaks or cracks
• Caliper hardware and dust boots for damage
• Caliper and/or wheel cylinders for fluid leaks
• Rotors and/or drums inspected for smoothness
• Brake pads and/or shoes inspected for thickness and wear patterns

While the wheels are off and your vehicle is raised you may be invited into the shop garage to go over the major findings of the inspection. If no repairs are needed then any removed parts and wheels are replaced securely on the vehicle and all wheel lug nuts are checked with a torque wrench. If repairs are needed then we’ll present a quote to you, discuss options and get your approval before proceeding.

The more common repairs are brake pad replacement and rotor reconditioning or replacement. Learn more about Brake System Maintenance & Repairs.

Some of this information was adapted from a Crawford’s original article titled: “What to expect from the mechanic during a proper brake inspection“.

Get Affordable 5-Star Quality Brake Service From Crawford’s Auto Repair

Unlike other auto repair shops we don’t pay staff with commissions and we don’t try to sell unnecessary repairs. If you bring your vehicle to the shop for a free brake inspection then our highly-trained technicians will perform the inspection and give you a straightforward presentation of the findings.

We treat each vehicle as if it belonged to our own mother and you’re welcome to speak to the owner or the technician working on your vehicle at any time. If you ever feel like you didn’t receive 5-star quality quality service, then let us know and we’ll do what we can to make it right.

Call 480-201-0740 To Schedule An Appointment Today

If a brake light in the dashboard is illuminated or if your vehicle is manifesting any brake symptoms then bring it to the shop today for a free brake check. Call 480-201-0740 to schedule an appointment for your brake inspection.