BRAKE REPAIR

Your brake system is comprised of a long list of parts and all of them are under a great deal of stress much of which depends on how you drive as each of us I very different in that regard. Some of us carry heavy loads or pull a trailer which impacts the life of our brakes. The important aspect of your brakes and their expected life span is that you are certain that they are working at 100% when you call on them to stop your truck at any given time. The task of stopping a truck that weighs thousands of pounds is certainly not easy and the last thing anyone wants is to find their brakes have failed catastrophically. When our team here at American AG & Auto goes in to do a full service or repair of your brakes, we take it seriously and check the entire system for you taking into consideration multiple factors!

What kind of driver are you? 

Aggressive with hard turns? Stopping the brakes of soft taps? Your brake life directly ties into how you drive and your brake pads and shoes will need to be changed more often based on your driving habits and the number of miles you travel. It isn’t just how long it has been since your last brake job. 

What brand of brakes did you use last time? 

The material in brake pads can vary greatly from one manufacturer to another. There are pads that are composites of organic compounds, semi-metallic pads, and ceramic pads, and their wear rates are all different.

Do you often tow a trailer, haul heavy loads, or drive through steep terrain? 

The extra braking force needed for any of those will wear out brakes faster. With all that in mind, brakes typically last around 100,000 miles, depending on the above factors. What’s maybe more important to know, though, is the warning signs that you do need new brakes. 

Brake problems come in a variety of forms. Worn brakes cause squeaking or grinding noises, especially when the brakes are applied, but sometimes constantly, Typically, the sound will vary with the speed of your truck, and braking will alter the noise you hear. Bad brakes affect performance too. If you feel like you have hit the pedal harder than normal to stop your truck, the brakes feel weak, or your truck pulls to one side whenever you depress the pedal, you likely have a sticking brake caliper or collapsed hoses. Symptoms may be erratic, sometimes only popping u occasionally, but should not be ignored. Warped or worn rotors damaged by high heat or worn brake pads or shoes will cause your truck to pulse or vibrate whenever you hit the brakes. This can be damaging to other components, decrease brake performance, and is generally annoying.

Things to Watch Out For:

• Longer stopping distances. If it takes longer, you have a problem. 
  
• Excessive brake pedal travel. If you are pushing your brake pedal further towards the floor, there is an issue.
  
• Brake pedal feels "soft" or "spongy" underfoot
• Truck pulls to one side while braking
  
• Pulsation or vibrations through the brake pedal or steering wheel while braking.
  
• The tendency for one or more wheels to lock up and skid while braking means one of your brakes is working harder than the other. Your brakes don't always wear at the same pace.
• Loud Noises! Groaning, screeching, squealing, or grinding sound while braking is never a good sign.

Our Brake Services Include:

Comprehensive Brake Inspections

Our skilled technicians conduct thorough brake inspections to assess the condition of key components such as brake pads, shoes, rotors, calipers, and drums. This comprehensive approach allows us to identify potential issues before they escalate, promoting early intervention and preventing more extensive damage.

Expert Repairs and Replacements

Whether it's addressing brake pad wear, resolving issues with brake calipers, or replacing brake shoes, our team is equipped with the expertise to handle a wide range of brake system repairs. We use high-quality replacement parts to ensure the longevity and reliability of your brakes. 

Cutting-Edge Diagnostics

We employs state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to pinpoint brake system issues accurately. Our advanced technology enables us to provide precise assessments, allowing us to address the root cause of any braking concerns efficiently.

Quality and Transparency

We believe in transparent communication with our customers. Before any brake service begins, our team takes the time to explain our findings, discuss recommended repairs, and provide accurate cost estimates. We want you to feel confident and informed throughout the entire process.

Routine Maintenance for Longevity

Regular brake maintenance is key to extending the lifespan of your braking system. Our team can help you establish a proactive maintenance schedule including routine inspections, to keep your brakes performing optimally. 

If you are experiencing any of the above problems, or your truck needs any other repair or maintenance, don't hesitate to call or come by. Our mechanics have the knowledge and ability necessary to get your truck repaired quickly, correctly, and efficiently.  Our team at American Ag & Auto can diagnose any issue or symptoms including squeaking or grinding noises, unresponsive brake pedal, or vibrations.