Frequently Asked Questions

Watch and listen for these warning signs:

Squealing or squeaking: Most pads have built-in wear indicators that make a high-pitched noise when they're worn down to about 2-3mm.

Grinding: If you hear a grinding sound, your pads are completely worn through and you're likely damaging your rotors.

Visual inspection: If you can see through your wheel spokes, you should be able to see the pad thickness. If it's less than 1/4 inch, it's time to replace.

Pedal feel: A soft or spongy pedal, or one that goes close to the floor, indicates a problem.

Most brake pads last between 30,000 and 70,000 miles, but several factors can affect this:

Driving habits: City driving with frequent stopping wears pads faster than highway driving.

Vehicle type: Heavier vehicles and trucks wear pads faster.

Pad material: Ceramic pads typically last longer than semi-metallic pads.

Climate: Bob White's hot summers and humidity can affect wear rates.

We recommend having your brakes inspected every 6 months or 6,000 miles — whichever comes first.

Brake squeal can have several causes:

Normal wear: The most common cause is worn brake pads approaching the end of their life.

Glazed rotors: Overheated brake material can create a hard, shiny surface on the rotor that squeals.

Moisture: Light surface rust on rotors (common in humid Bob White mornings) can cause squeal until brakes warm up.

Worn hardware: If the clips and springs that hold pads aren't doing their job, vibration and noise result.

If squealing persists, bring it in — we can diagnose the exact cause quickly.

Not always, but often yes. Here's our approach:

If rotors are in good condition: We can resurface (machine) them to provide a fresh, smooth surface for the new pads.

If rotors are warped or damaged: Grooves, cracks, or thickness variation mean rotors need replacement. Driving on worn rotors causes uneven pad wear.

If rotors are too thin: Rotors have a minimum thickness specification. If they're at or below that, replacement is required for safety.

We'll always show you your rotors with our borescope camera and explain exactly what you're looking at before recommending anything.

Brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid that transfers force from your brake pedal to your brake calipers. It's essential for your brakes to work.

The problem: Brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air over time (it's hygroscopic). This lowers its boiling point, which can cause brake fade during hard braking.

The solution: A brake fluid flush removes old, moisture-contaminated fluid and replaces it with fresh fluid.

When to service: Manufacturer recommendations vary, but every 2 years or 24,000 miles is common. In Bob White's humid climate, we recommend sticking to the 2-year interval.

Most brake pad replacements take between 3-5 hours per axle. Here's our typical process:

Inspection (15-30 min): We inspect all brake components before starting work.

Pad replacement (1-2 hours): Replacing pads on one axle typically takes 1-2 hours.

Rotor service (if needed, 30-60 min): Resurfacing or replacing rotors adds time.

Test drive and quality check (15-30 min): We verify proper operation before returning your vehicle.

Most customers drop off their vehicle in the morning and pick it up by afternoon. We provide shuttle service so you don't have to wait.

Yes! We stand behind our work with a solid warranty:

12 months or 12,000 miles: Coverage on parts and labor for all brake pad replacements and brake service work.

What's covered: Any defect in our workmanship or the parts we installed.

What's not covered: Normal wear (you'll eventually need new pads again), damage from accidents or neglect, or issues caused by other repairs.

If you experience any issues related to our brake work within the warranty period, we'll fix it free of charge.

Pricing varies based on your vehicle and what needs to be done:

Brake pad replacement: $149-$229 per axle (parts and labor included)

Ceramic pads: $199+ per axle (quieter, less dust, longer lasting)

Semi-metallic pads: $159+ per axle (excellent stopping power)

Rotor resurfacing: $50-$80 per rotor

New rotors: $150-$400 per rotor depending on vehicle

Brake fluid flush: $89-$109

We'll always provide a written estimate before starting work. No hidden fees, no surprise charges.

Yes, we work by appointment to ensure we have the right parts and adequate time dedicated to your vehicle.

You can book online through our contact form or call us directly at (304) 245-8275.

For urgent brake issues, we often have same-day appointments available. Call and ask — we'll do our best to accommodate you.

Yes! We provide free local shuttle service within 10 miles of our shop.

We can drop you off at home or work and pick you up when your vehicle is ready.

If you're outside our shuttle area, we can arrange rideshare or taxi service at our expense for repairs over a certain amount.

We accept:

Credit/Debit Cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover

Cash: We accept cash payments

Financing: Through Synchrony Financial with approved credit — ask for details

Payment is due at time of service completion.

Yes! We have a comfortable waiting area with:

Air-conditioned lobby: Climate-controlled comfort

Free WiFi: Stay connected while you wait

Coffee and water: Complimentary beverages

Seating: Comfortable chairs and a couch

Most brake jobs can be completed while you wait. You'll be able to watch the work through our shop window if you'd like.