Tucson’s #1 Brake Shop for Brake Repair and Maintenance

Along with squealing, grinding is one of the two most common sounds associated with brake problems. Unlike squealing brakes, grinding sounds don’t happen by design. Instead, they can point to anything from debris in your brake system to completely worn brake pads. Grinding brakes can be even more serious than squealing brakes. Not taking care of this problem right away could significantly damage your braking system. Make sure to bring your vehicle into a BRAKEmax brake shop for immediate brake repair service when you notice this issue.

As a Tucson, Arizona-area driver, there’s no doubt that you have a busy schedule, and that can make scheduling even the most minor auto repairs feel like a hassle. That said, you shouldn’t put off a task as crucial as brake repair just because it can be challenging to fit into your daily routine. If you neglect to fix minor brake problems when they pop up, it may save you some time in the present. However, it could also lead to much more expensive, time-consuming brake issues in the future. That means it’s best to face these issues head-on as soon as possible.

The good news: even the most in-depth brake repair jobs can be done in less than a day when the ASE-certified brake mechanics at BRAKEmax handle them. On average, brake-related repair services will take between one and three hours for our brake shop to complete. Still, it’s crucial to remember that this estimate could change depending on the actual brake repair services you need. Brake pad or brake shoe replacement can take mere minutes to finish, while creating new brake lines or replacing your brake system’s master cylinder could take up to eight hours.

Of course, when you’re already juggling work, family, and other responsibilities, not being able to use your vehicle for even a few hours can be a challenging proposition. And that’s true even when you can simplify the appointment process by scheduling brake repairs online. With that in mind, BRAKEmax is proud to offer concierge service to our valued customers in our service area. If you are within three miles of a BRAKEmax shop, our crew can pick up your vehicle and return it once we’ve completed the brake repair or brake pad replacement-related tasks you need. Best of all, our concierge service is entirely free of charge!

The brake pads in disc brake systems are pressed by brake calipers onto the brake rotor (a rotating disc). The friction produced by the pads slows the rotation of the wheel. Because the friction they provide and the heat they produce causes wear with every application of the brake pedal, brake pad replacement should be part of your regularly-scheduled vehicle maintenance. By comparison, brake pads are referred to as brake shoes in drum brake systems.

If your brake pads are starting to wear out, you probably won’t need to spend too much time wondering whether there’s a problem. That’s because worn brakes are notoriously noisy, making it obvious when it’s time to bring your vehicle to your nearest BRAKEmax location for a brake repair service. If you notice squealing or grinding noises when you brake, your brake pads could almost certainly use professional attention.

Interestingly, the fact that worn brake pads make noise is no coincidence. These components come with a metal tab known as a “brake wear indicator.” The tab starts rubbing against the brake disc when the brake pads wear out enough. That creates an unpleasant squealing sound, making it impossible for drivers to ignore their vehicle’s need for brake maintenance.

While it may be tempting to put off brake pad replacement for as long as possible, this isn’t something the experts at BRAKEmax would recommend. Brake pads are designed to allow for safe braking thanks to the presence of friction material. When this material inevitably wears away, your brake discs or drums will directly contact the steel that once held it in place. That will eventually damage your entire brake system, so be sure to make replacing worn brake pads a high priority!

In the past, brake systems almost exclusively used semi-metallic or asbestos pads. Today, most modern vehicles use a brake pad made of a ceramic composite. Compared to other types of brake pads, ceramic pads are quieter when the brakes are applied.

A brake rotor is the “disc” in a disc brake system and is connected to a vehicle’s wheel. There are several kinds of rotors: blank and smooth, drilled, slotted, and drilled and slotted. Newer passenger vehicles usually have blank and smooth rotors.

When you apply the brakes, calipers squeeze together the brake pads against the rotors. The friction this process creates resists the wheel’s spin, and slows the wheel’s rotation. As with your brake pads, heat and friction cause continuous wear on your brake rotors, so it’s important to have them regularly inspected to ensure you have dependable braking.

The rotors are the discs that your brake pads make contact with to top your vehicle. They’re made of metal, so they wear down with use over time. Additionally, excessive heat generated while braking can cause the rotors to warp. When you have your brake pads replaced, a technician will “turn” or “resurface” your rotor, provided it has enough material to do so safely. This involves putting the rotor on a lathe and using an extremely sharp bit to cut into the rotor and create a smooth surface.

The calipers in your braking system are one its most important parts because they apply the pressure to the brake pads that stop your wheels. Specifically, when you step on the brakes, brake fluid creates hydraulic pressure on pistons in the caliper, which then squeezes the pads against the rotor, slowing it down along with the wheel.

As with most of the components in a brake system, use causes wear on brake pads. As the pads become thinner, pistons in the brake calipers compensate to help the worn brake pads reach the rotor. While the pads can be replaced, the pistons need to be retracted back into the calipers in order to be able to remove the pads. A special tool is needed for this. Although another tool could be used, it can damage both the pistons and the calipers.

If you have signs of brake problems, our technicians will inspect the entire system, including the brake calipers. Book an appointment for a free inspection today.

You can easily check your brake fluid yourself, but it’s best to bring in your vehicle and have our technicians replace it. Brake fluid is highly toxic and can also ruin your car’s paint.

Refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions for checking your vehicle’s brake fluid levels. In general, you’ll need to locate the brake fluid reservoir on the master cylinder. Take a look at the fluid itself to see if it appears dark or muddy; this is a sign that your fluid is dirty and is losing effectiveness. Also look at the lines that indicate the maximum and minimum levels. If your brake fluid is close to the minimum line, you likely need brake service.

As part of BRAKEmax’s complete brake service, we will check your brake fluid to see if it’s low or appears dirty and needs to be replaced.

We do! Please check our brake repair coupons page for special offers on everything from our premium brake service, brake fluid flush, lifetime disc brakes and more. Remember, you’re always welcome to come in for a free brake check at all of our Tucson locations.

A brake light should never be ignored since it can indicate any number of problems, from simple to urgent. Here are some reasons a brake light may come on:

• The parking brake is on: Make sure your parking brake is off. Driving with it on can add extra wear to brake linings. If the parking brake was on when you started your car and the brake light doesn’t go off when you release the parking brake, don’t go ahead and drive the car, because you have another, unidentified brake problem.
• Your brake fluid is low: Low levels of brake fluid can cause the brake light to come on. You may have a leak in the brake system, which should be repaired immediately. Your vehicle’s hydraulic system depends on brake fluid to stop your car and your brakes won’t work without it.
• There’s an issue with your anti-lock braking system (ABS): Late-model cars may have a dashboard warning light just for the ABS, but for vehicles that don’t, your brake light may be indicating a problem with the ABS.
• There’s an issue with a sensor: It’s unlikely that a malfunctioning brake sensor is causing your brake light to come on, but it’s possible.
• There’s an electrical issue: Your car’s wiring may need to be checked.

First, Arizona motorists must understand what “brake replacement” entails. In some cases, you may need to replace braking components like hoses, steel lines, calipers, or even the master cylinder. But, in most cases, when people talk about replacing their brakes, they’re really referring to their brake pads and rotors. Luckily, this is one of the most affordable and quick types of brake service available.

No matter how carefully you drive or how durable your brake pad materials are, these components will wear out eventually. In fact, since they work by creating friction to help slow your vehicle, you could even say they’re designed to wear out. For the most part, drivers should consider replacing their brake pads around the 50,000-mile mark. However, this range can vary significantly—your pads may last up to 70,000 miles or need brake pad replacement after 25,000 miles.

Are you curious about why a car’s brake pad life spans can differ so drastically? Some factors that affect the longevity of your brakes include:

• The brake pads themselves. Your brake pads may be “hard compound” pads (which are long-lasting and commonly seen on performance vehicles) or “soft compound” pads (which are ideal for low-speed travel, such as urban driving). Brake pad lifespan can also be affected by whether you use carbon-ceramic or steel brakes.
• Where you drive. If you live in the city, you’ll have to contend with traffic lights and stop-and-start traffic. That means you’ll need to brake more frequently, thus putting more strain on your braking system. Since careful braking is required when driving in mountainous areas, these places can also contribute to brake wear.
• How you drive. In general, do you brake abruptly or gradually? The latter approach is easier on your brakes. Still, even the most careful drivers can’t avoid the need to slam on the brakes in some situations.

Our premium brake service includes:

• A complete visual inspection of your brake friction and hydraulic system
• Resurfacing of  rotors and/or drums where applicable
• Replacement of your premium-grade brake pads and/or shoes
• A check of your wheel bearings, which we will repack if applicable

We will be glad to give you an initial quote on any of our auto repair services. During your appointment, we will be able to give you a final estimate based on an inspection. No work will be done without your prior approval.

To keep your brakes in top condition and your vehicle operating safely, we recommend having your brakes checked every six months or 6,000 miles. In between those milestones, watch for these signs that it’s time for brake service:

• Squealing, thumping or grinding sounds
• Yellow puddles of brake fluid
• Less resistance in the pedal when braking
• More distance needed to come to a complete stop
• Pulling to one side when braking
• Vibration in the pedal when braking

Our ASE-certified mechanics provide premium brake service that includes:

• Visual inspection of the brake friction and hydraulic system
• Resurface rotors and/or drums where applicable
• Replacement of premium-grade brake pads and/or shoes
• Check and repack wheel bearings if applicable

BRAKEmax regularly offers great savings on brake repair services. Check our coupons page, then print your coupon or bring it in on your phone.