Replacing your vehicle's brakes isn't a frequent affair, with most brake pad replacements happening every two to three years depending on your driving style and commute. In a city like Austin, where most driving is stop and start traffic around the city, your brakes are put the test more frequently than those with wide open highway commutes. Once it comes time to replace your brakes, make sure to find the best Austin brake shop near you by using the tips below.
1. Check online reviews of local Austin brake repair shops.
One easy way to start your brake repair search is to look around online. Online reviews will give you a glimpse into both the quality of their work, and the level of customer service you can expect. Keep in mind that not all businesses will receive a constant stream of 5-star reviews, so make sure to really read the low ratings and see exactly what the customer is complaining about. Repeat low ratings are a big red flag, especially with a business that deals in making sure your vehicle is road safe.
2. Find out what type of brake pads they use.
Stopping your vehicle is one of the most important aspects of vehicle safety, and your brakes handle all the work. Cheap brake quotes may seem great for your budget, but make sure that you're receiving a brake part that lasts. At NuBrakes, we encourage the use of ceramic brake pads for maximum stopping power and longevity — plus they reduce the chance of that annoying squeaking sound you receive with cheap semi-metallic parts.
3. Are their brake technicians ASE-certified?
When a technician is ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certified, they've gone through the work and testing to ensure they know your brakes inside and out. At NuBrakes we only hire top-rated local mobile mechanics so that your brakes are taken care of by the best. Each of our mechanics arrives on-site with the parts they need to handle the work right where you're parked.
4. Find a shop that services your vehicle's type or brand.
If you drive a higher-end vehicle, sometimes finding a local shop that deals with just your brand can be your best bet. European vehicles like BMW, Audi, and Porsche sometimes need special parts and attention that only specialized technicians can provide.
5. Find out how long they've been in business.
An auto repair shop that's been around for a while means they've been fairly successful and establishes some credibility. If you can't find out how long a shop has been by searching around online, feel free to call the location and ask a few questions to vet their experience.
6. How convenient is their repair location and repair time?
In a city like Austin, no one has time to sit at a brake repair shop. It's a waste of time and completely unnecessary in today's on-demand economy. Between taking time off of work to commuting back and forth from the shop, you could've had the work done on location by a mobile mechanic. No one wants to waste time sitting at a repair shop, and many people can't, but keeping your brakes healthy is of utmost importance. If you elect to sit at a shop, find out what their wait times look like and whether or not they're able to shuttle you back to your home or office so you don't have to sit around in their lobby.
7. Do they offer warranties?
Whether you're replacing your brake pads, rotors or calipers, make sure that your parts come with a warranty from the shop that puts them on. There is a very slim chance that your brakes will have issues after work is completed under normal driving conditions, but in off chance that something does happen, you want to make sure that you're covered. At NuBrakes, we offer a 24 month/24,000 mile warranty on our brake service and parts, so you'll be covered for the life of the pads. This will warrant your brakes for a substantial time, and help keep your vehicle in driving condition.
Utilize an Austin Mobile Brake Repair Service
NuBrakes was created to provide the convenience and time savings that people have come to expect out of on-demand services. Our mobile brake technicians are ASE certified and experienced in diagnosing brake problems to ensure your safety on the road. Schedule a repair online in minutes and let us repair or replace your brakes at your office, home or apartment, while you get the life If you hate waiting in your local auto repair shop just to replace your brakes, check out our Austin brake repair page to receive a free quote!