Reviews

A+ for customer service. I was in town for the day and my car needed a brake job. With just a 2min phone call Ron made time In their busy schedule and took my car in for service. They did my brakes, oil change and went the extra mile and had my car detailed. Excellent customer service and auto service shop.

— Lionel G

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Signs to look for with determining if the brakes in your vehicle need repair services in Santa Cruz.

If you’re having brake problems such as pulling, grabbing low or soft pedal, pedal vibration or noise, a brake job or repair might be required. Vibration felt under braking may also be caused by worn suspension components such as worn bushings, or bad shock absorbers, but in the majority of instances a warped rotor will be the cause of these kinds of issues.

What is a Warped Rotor or a Cracked Disc?


When the brakes are applied to a moving vehicle, heat is produced. When this heat is excessive it can cause a car’s brake rotors to bend or warp. If the brake rotors are warped as little as a few thousandths of an inch, the brake pedal may pulse and the vehicle may shake when the brakes are applied. If the brake rotors are badly warped, the whole vehicle may shake and cause the steering wheel to oscillate or shake from side to side under braking.

If your car has damaged or cracked discs, these cracks are normally caused by too much heat, which itself is usually caused by torque imbalances which transfers a greater share of the braking function to only some of the car’s brakes instead of an even distribution of friction. The brakes which are providing a greater share of the braking action, will always be the ones to show the greater disc wear and will sometimes end up cracking under this added strain.

Cracked discs must always be replaced. If the disc is not replaced the cracks will worsen over time and can eventually progress into the barrel section of the vehicle. After the discs are replaced the braking system should be checked for proper balance before going out on the road again.

Brake Pad Replacement


It is important to note that there are two ways to determine whether or not the brake pads will need to be replaced:

1) Visually or by looking at them:
If you see that the depth of the brake pad is less that 1/4 inch. You need to replace it soon! If you see that its less than 1/8 inch, there isn’t any time to delay as you are getting dangerously close to damaging the rotors. In a situation like this we recommend brake repairs ASAP.

2) Audibly or by the sound:
If you are hearing a screeching sound when you put your foot on the break, this is a bad sign. You are overdue for a reline. But, if it sounds more like scraping on metal, then you have damaged your rotors and you need to fix the brakes immediately, otherwise, you could cause major damage. It is may also be recommended that you get the rotors resurfaced, or changed, depending on the extent of the damage.

Changing your brake pads too soon is much better than changing them too late. That way you will prevent more expensive repairs as well as unsafe driving!

Brake System Service


Come to Advanced Auto and let our brake repair technicians examine your vehicle and locate the problem using the latest in computerized diagnostic tools.

Your brake system is the most important safety feature in your car, truck or SUV. Keeping up with annual inspections and proper maintenance is the best way to ensure a healthy braking system to prevent accidents and avoid expensive repairs later on. Advanced Auto’s Certified Master Technicians can examine the entire braking system, including pads, shoes, hydraulic fluids, rotor/drum wear, calipers and wheel cylinders, brake hardware, hoses and lines, master cylinder, and the anti-lock system for vehicles so equipped.

If you notice any of the signs of possible brake failure, squealing, grinding, other unusual noise when you apply your brakes, a brake pedal that can be depressed nearly to the floor, or a brake warning light that stays lit, you should have your brake system checked out as soon as possible.

Advanced Auto Brake System Services Overview includes:

  • A thorough inspection of your vehicle’s entire braking system

  • Worn pads and shoes replaced

  • Wheel bearings repacked as needed

  • Lubrication for specified components

  • Rotor and drum resurfacing (may need replacement if wear is excessive)

  • Replacement of other components based on findings of inspection

  • Old brake fluid replacement

  • Adjustment of parking brake

  • Road test to ensure the entire braking system is operating properly

Specific Brake Services Offered

  • Ceramic brake pads 

  • Organic pads and shoes

  • Semi-metallic pads

  • New rotors

  • Master Cylinders

  • Wheel Cylinders

  • Calipers

  • Drums

  • Brake light repairs

  • Hydraulic repairs

  • Brake hoses

  • Anti-lock brake systems

  • Electronic Diagnostics for ABS

  • ABS Brake controllers

  • Traction Brake codes

  • Computer Brake systems

  • Trailer wiring and hitch installations

  • Brake system flushing and services

  • Hardware Kits

  • Spring Kits

  • ABS Wheel speed Sensors