How should brakes work?

Brakes are designed to counteract your vehicle’s movement. When you press down on your brake, a lever acts on the master cylinder to release hydraulic fluid. This fluid triggers a chain reaction in the hydraulic system moving from cylinder to cylinder to multiple the small force applied by your foot to bring your car to a stop.

Brake pads work with the brake caliper to stop the spinning motion of your wheels. The caliper squeezes the pads together, creating friction between the pads and the brake rotors. The pads and rotors then work together to stop your car’s wheels. When you apply pressure to your brakes and hear a squeak, it’s most likely your brake pads warning you they may need to be replaced.

Brake rotors, also called brake discs, are a key part of your car’s braking system, As the brake pads clamp down on them, the applied pressure will stop the spinning of your wheels.

How long do brake pads and rotors last?

Brake pads typically last between 30,000 and 70,000 miles. Brake rotors can last up to 3 times longer than the pads, but it depends greatly on driving habits and environment.

How should brake pedals feel?

When you apply your brakes, they should feel firm throughout the process, and the harder you push, the firmer your brakes should feel. If your brakes feel spongy when pressure is applied, then you should have them evaluated by a professional mechanic. Spongy brakes could be a sign of a problem in the hydraulic system, such as failing calipers or a weak flex line.

My brake pedal feels spongy. Why?

The brake pedal feels spongy when brake fluid is not flowing properly. This means that air got into the lines, preventing the fluid’s proper flow. To get rid of the air, you’ll need to go through a process called “bleeding the brakes”.

What is a brake system flush?

A brake system flush is when existing brake fluid is removed and new fluid is added to the hydraulic system. This ensures proper performance and increased life span of your brakes.

Do I have to change my brake fluid?

Yes. Brake fluid affects the operation of your braking system, as the presence of water in the brake lines reduces the fluid’s boiling point, therefore the vehicle’s stopping ability is diminished in hard stops.

How often do you need to change brake fluid?

This is dependent on the make and model of your vehicle; refer to your manufacturer’s scheduled maintenance guide for best practices for your vehicle. A general rule of thumb is replacing brake fluid whenever your brake pads are replaced.

What causes brake noise?

There are several reasons for hearing noises when braking. Squealing noises can be caused by rusted rotors, while squeaking noises usually indicate cheap brake pads or the indicator hitting the rotor. Grinding noise is caused by the contact of the rotor disc with part of the caliper.

I hear a grinding noise when I step on the brakes. Should I be concerned?

Yes. This is a wake-up call to stop driving the car and have it checked out. The grinding noise usually indicates the lack of brake pad material, which means the pads are so worn out that the rotors and brake pads are now metal on metal.

The car pulls to the right or left when I step on the brakes. Why?

The usual cause of the car pulling to the left or right when braking is contamination of the braking system. It can also happen if a caliper malfunctions.

My car shakes when I hit the brakes. What’s going on?

The most common answer is that brake rotors are out of bound, in which case you’d also be able to feel it through the brake pedal. The vibration can also occur when a brake caliper sticks on, in which case the steering wheel will vibrate as well.

Brake Repair & Inspection Services

Ensuring your safety on the road starts with a well-maintained braking system. At Meineke, we provide expert brake repair, thorough brake inspections, and reliable brake service for every component—from pads and fluid to rotors.

If you hear a squealing sound or grinding noise when stopping, it’s a sign that your brakes need attention. Our certified technicians offer fast brake inspections and quality repair services for both new and older vehicles. With cost-effective solutions and a commitment to quality, Meineke keeps your car safe while preserving its value.

Book an appointment today at your local Meineke location

Brake Service Signs

There are common brake problems with common, well-known signs, such as a shaky steering wheel or a squeaky sound and we’ve all been there and know that’s an indicator for checking your brakes. However, there are many other - probably less obvious - signs your brakes may be showing which you don’t want to ignore.

Get a brake service inspection if:

The brake pedal seems to be spongy or presses farther to the floor than usual
Your vehicle pulls to the right or left when you brake
Unusual noises or vibrations occur during braking
You have grinding, squeaking or squealing brakes
Your steering wheel is shaking
Your car is wobbling or pulsating when you drive at highway speeds
It’s been over a year or 12,000 miles since the last time your brakes were inspected
You’re near or past the number of miles your vehicle’s manufacturer recommends between brake fluid exchanges
The brake warning light on your dashboard comes on and stays on
Your vehicle requires longer distances to stop than it used to
The brake pedal responds slowly
The brake pedal requires excess pressure

Many brake pads today have a built-in metal component that creates a slight squeal. The squeal increases in volume over time to alert you of the need for service. If you begin to hear a loud squeal, make sure to bring your vehicle to your local Meineke for a full, 23-point inspection.

Brake Pad Replacement

One thing you can do as a vehicle owner is better understand the different moving parts that make up your brake system. When you press your brake pedal the brake pads create friction; in turn, the brake rotor disperses heat throughout the vehicle to keep the brakes themselves from overheating. Both are essential to the proper functioning of your braking system. And both need proper inspection when servicing your brakes.

A brake inspection done by a Meineke Technician

At Meineke, we offer and recommend a full, 23-point inspection that includes a comprehensive vehicle check, from brake function, belts, hoses and filters to suspensions, struts and shocks, motor mounts and fuel filters. Our brake assessment, however, will include:

Brake function - measurement of pads thickness
Fluids - inspection of brake fluid levels and leaks
Rotors / drums - determining if resurfacing or replacement is needed
Wheel cylinders - check wheel cylinders for function
Brake hardware - inspect hardware for wear and tear
Brake hoses - problems with the hoses are common and need regular checking as they can wear out

Why Get A Brake Assessment?

Get your vehicle inspected by a certified technician to properly identify the issues affecting your braking system
Get an estimate of what the necessary work will cost based on the individual problems of your brakes
Get an outline of the work ahead, time estimates and parts needed
Get recommendations and options on the best parts for your particular vehicle

Brakes Service: Repair & Replacement

Brakes are designed to wear out. The pads rub on the brake disk to stop your car, so worn pads are the first part to check if you are experiencing any braking problems. A full inspection though will show underlying problems, as well as what can be repaired and what needs replaced. Brake pad replacement is the most common repair job for automotive brake systems.

A Technician showing where a Brake pad repair is needed

What will my brake service include?

Since brake pads are only one possible problem with a brake system, there are other items to be included in a brake service. Depending on the results of the braking system evaluation, your vehicle brake service may include:

Brake pads replacement
Brake rotors / drums resurfaced
Brake fluid flush & replacement
Brake caliper & rotor re-alignment
Brake caliper replacement
Brake hose replacement
Brake master cylinder replacement

Affordable Brake Service Specials

Brakes keep you and your family safe. Brake parts and brake services are not what you want to skimp on, but we understand the importance of reducing expenses and we aim to offer cost-effective solutions that provide leading services as well. Come see us for a brake job today. Visit our locations page to find current brake service deals at a center near you.

Brake Service FAQs

A:
Brakes are designed to counteract your vehicle’s movement. When you press down on your brake, a lever acts on the master cylinder to release hydraulic fluid. This fluid triggers a chain reaction in the hydraulic system moving from cylinder to cylinder to multiple the small force applied by your foot to bring your car to a stop.
A:
Brake pads work with the brake caliper to stop the spinning motion of your wheels. The caliper squeezes the pads together, creating friction between the pads and the brake rotors. The pads and rotors then work together to stop your car’s wheels. When you apply pressure to your brakes and hear a squeak, it’s most likely your brake pads warning you they may need to be replaced.
A:
Brake rotors, also called brake discs, are a key part of your car’s braking system, As the brake pads clamp down on them, the applied pressure will stop the spinning of your wheels.
A:
Brake pads typically last between 30,000 and 70,000 miles. Brake rotors can last up to 3 times longer than the pads, but it depends greatly on driving habits and environment.
A:
When you apply your brakes, they should feel firm throughout the process, and the harder you push, the firmer your brakes should feel. If your brakes feel spongy when pressure is applied, then you should have them evaluated by a professional mechanic. Spongy brakes could be a sign of a problem in the hydraulic system, such as failing calipers or a weak flex line.
A:
The brake pedal feels spongy when brake fluid is not flowing properly. This means that air got into the lines, preventing the fluid’s proper flow. To get rid of the air, you’ll need to go through a process called “bleeding the brakes”.
A:
A brake system flush is when existing brake fluid is removed and new fluid is added to the hydraulic system. This ensures proper performance and increased life span of your brakes.
A:
Yes. Brake fluid affects the operation of your braking system, as the presence of water in the brake lines reduces the fluid’s boiling point, therefore the vehicle’s stopping ability is diminished in hard stops.

More about Brake Service on the Meineke Blog

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