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

A quick brake check is the fastest way to keep you safe on the road. At Meineke, we offer expert brake repair, comprehensive brake inspections, and dependable service on all brake components—from pads and fluid to calipers and rotors.

Whether you’re hearing squeaks, feeling vibrations, or simply due for maintenance, our certified technicians deliver efficient, cost-effective brake solutions. With over 1,000 centers nationwide, Meineke is your trusted partner in keeping your vehicle safe and road-ready.

Brake Service Signs

Recognizing the warning signs of brake problems can prevent more expensive repairs and keep you safe. Get a professional brake service inspection if you notice:

Spongy or soft brake pedal
The vehicle pulls to one side when braking
Grinding, squeaking, or squealing noises
Vibration or wobbling when braking
Steering wheel shakes at high speeds
Longer stopping distances
Brake warning light stays on
Over 12,000 miles or one year since last inspection
Brake pedal responds slowly or needs excessive pressure
The manufacturer-recommended mileage for a brake fluid exchange has passed

Many brake pads feature a metal wear indicator that squeals louder as they wear down. If you hear it, visit your local Meineke for a full, 23-point brake inspection. Schedule a brake inspection near you if any of these symptoms sound familiar.

A brake inspection done by a Meineke Technician

Brake Service: Repair & Replacement

Your braking system is made to wear over time, which is why Meineke offers complete brake repair and replacement services. Whether you need a simple brake pad replacement or more complex system work, our technicians assess, diagnose, and restore your braking performance efficiently.

Brake Pad & Shoe Replacement

Brake pads (disc brakes) and brake shoes (drum brakes) are the first to wear out, and are most commonly replaced. Worn brake pads can cause squealing, reduced stopping power, or vibration. You'll notice rear-end noise or reduced brake response if your car uses brake shoes.

Meineke offers fast, professional brake pad replacement. Most jobs are completed in under an hour, getting you back on the road quickly and safely.

A Technician showing where a Brake pad repair is needed

Rotor & Drum Resurfacing

If your rotors or drums aren’t too thin or warped, resurfacing them can restore their smooth finish and save you from a full auto brake replacement. It’s an innovative, budget-friendly way to resolve vibration and braking inconsistencies, extending the life of your brake pads and shoes.

Brake Fluid Exchange

Brake fluid degrades over time as it absorbs moisture, which reduces its boiling point and performance. Flushing and replacing it every 24 months or 24,000 miles prevents corrosion and improves braking safety. Stop by Meineke for a fluid check today, or find a brake inspection near you.

Brake Caliper Repair & Rotor Replacement

Warped rotors and seized calipers often cause your vehicle to pull, vibrate, or shake, especially at highway speeds. Meineke offers rotor replacement and caliper repair to restore braking power, extend the life of surrounding components, and help you repair brakes quickly and affordably.

ABS Diagnostics

If your ABS warning light is on, it could be a faulty wheel-speed sensor, broken wire, or ABS module issue. Our expert technicians use advanced tools to provide precise auto brake service, diagnosing and fixing problems with anti-lock braking systems before they impact your safety.

How Often Do My Brakes Need to Be Serviced?

Brake lifespan depends on your vehicle, driving habits, and environment.

As a general rule:

Inspect your brakes every 12,000 miles or once a year
Replace brake pads between 30,000 and 70,000 miles
Exchange brake fluid every 24 months or 24,000 miles

Stop-and-go driving, towing, or harsh weather may shorten service intervals. Routine brake maintenance can prevent breakdowns and costly brake repairs.

Why Get A Brake Assessment?

A full brake assessment helps you catch issues early, avoid expensive repairs, and ensure peak stopping power. The benefits that come with a brake assessment include:

Enhanced safety and braking response
Detect worn or failing parts early
Reduce repair costs with preventative care
Increase vehicle resale value
Deliver peace of mind

Let Meineke fix your car brakes before they become a bigger problem.

Why Choose Meineke for Brake Service

With over 1,000 locations, certified technicians, and a nationwide warranty, Meineke is the brake shop you can count on. Whether you need routine service or emergency repairs, we deliver trusted care, quality parts, and reliable performance.

As a full-service brakes shop, we make maintenance easy, transparent, and affordable—so you can drive with confidence.

Affordable Brake Service Specials

At Meineke, we know brake safety is non-negotiable—but that doesn’t mean it should be unaffordable. 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.

Book an appointment today at your local Meineke location

Brake Service FAQs

A:
Brake repair costs vary by vehicle and condition. A full inspection will identify what needs to be serviced and provide an accurate estimate. Schedule a free brake check at Meineke today.
A:
Most brake services take between 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the complexity of the job and parts availability.
A:
Brakes use hydraulic force to slow and stop your car. A properly functioning system will feel firm and responsive when the brake pedal is pressed.
A:
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.
A:
Squeaky brakes could indicate worn brake pads or other issues. While your vehicle may still stop, it's not safe to delay service. Visit Meineke for a brake check as soon as possible.
A:
Brake pads last 30,000–70,000 miles, while rotors can last longer depending on driving conditions and habits.
A:
A brake flush removes old fluid and moisture, replacing it with fresh fluid to maintain safe braking and prevent corrosion.
A:
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.

More about Brake Service on the Meineke Blog

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