Choose the right service centre before your Next Brake Job

Car maintenance is often moved to the back burner due to your already hectic schedule, but it’s important to make sure your vehicle receives the proper treatment when in need of service. Oil changes and antifreeze flush and fills are typical maintenance routines offered by most shops, but extensive service, like brake work, can be a bit more complicated.

1. According to the Automotive Service Association, technician certification is the single most important factor used when selecting an automotive repair shop.

2. Take your vehicle to a shop that offers free inspections or precedes any work with a complete assessment. This means looking at a number of different components that can affect your vehicles braking, including the master cylinder, suspension, tire pressure, rotors, calipers and parking brake, to name a few.

3. Have a technician join you on a test drive so you can explain the problem and they can thoroughly experience it. You know your vehicles quirks better than anyone else, so be sure to alert the technician to any strange conditions.

4. Never skimp on the service needed. You may have gone into the shop wanting a new set of brake pads, but found out you also need new rotors or other components. New pads placed on top of warped rotors may result in problems right away. If your technician highly recommends the replacement of other components, listen. If you are hesitant, ask them to show you exactly what’s wrong and explain what will happen if the service is only partially completed.

5. Have your technician use premium application-specific products, like the brake pads offered by Bendix¨. The company has specially designed pads for import and domestic cars, light-duty trucks, vans and SUVs. The extra investment in a higher quality product is worth it in the long run. Generic brake pads may not fit as well and can lead to squeaks, squeals and other annoyances which may take you back where you started to the shop.

¥ Make sure the repair shop offers warranties on its parts and service so you don’t get stuck paying extra if another visit becomes necessary. Just remember, if you didn’t get the recommended service and have to take your vehicle back in, any damage to the newer parts may not be covered.

Follow these guidelines to make your experience a positive one, says Brown. If you need help looking for a qualified mechanic, log on to www.bendixbrakes.com and check out the installer locator feature. It will provide you with a list of shops in your area.