Your One-Stop Shop for Brake Repair
When you need brake repair, brake pad replacement, or any other brake-related services in Nebraska or beyond, you need T.O. Haas Tire & Auto. With our qualified technicians and many brake shops in the local area, we’re uniquely well-equipped to get your brakes back in working order before you know it.
Find a T.O. Haas Brake Repair & Service Shop Near You:
Our Brake Services
Your brakes can run into all sorts of problems, so you should try to find a brake shop that can provide just as many solutions. In Nebraska, Iowa, and Kansas, that means it’s a good idea to take your vehicle to T.O. Haas for a brake service. Here are a few of the brake services we’re proud to offer:
Brake Inspection
Before we can fix your brakes, we’ll have to look closely at them to figure out what’s wrong. Thanks to the expertise shared by our technicians, this process won’t take long at all. And when our inspectors are done with the inspection, they’ll move on to your repair or replacement immediately.
While brake inspections are essential when you notice brake problems in your vehicle, this isn’t the only time you should have your brakes checked. Ideally, professional technicians should inspect your brakes every 6,000 miles or six months.
Brake Repair
The average car’s braking system is highly complicated, involving multiple components that all play an indispensable role. Our employees have the depth of knowledge needed to determine what elements of your brakes are causing problems and the skills required to fix these issues.
If you notice any of these warning signs, there’s a good chance that you need brake repairs sooner rather than later:
- Pedal “vibrations” while braking
- Pulling to one side during the braking process
- Extra distance needed to stop fully
- Lower pedal resistance while braking
- Puddles of yellow brake fluid under your car
- Unusual sounds, such as squealing or grinding
Brake Pad Replacement
On the most basic level, your brakes function by creating friction to slow or stop your vehicle. In many brake systems, brake pads are some of the most critical components in this process. The piston squeezes these pads against the rotor, slowing your vehicle’s forward momentum.
Since their job is to create friction, it’s no surprise that brake pads can eventually wear out. After a while, you’ll need brake pad replacement to keep your brakes in good shape—and the crew at T.O. Haas can help.
Brake Fluid Flush
As a Nebraska driver, there’s a good chance you’ve had at least one oil change in the past. There’s a good reason for that: Motor oil becomes dirty over time, gradually making it less effective. But motor oil isn’t the only fluid your car needs to function correctly. Among other products, you’ll also need brake fluid.
The exact function performed by brake fluid varies between disc and drum brake systems. However, it is necessary for the operation of any type of modern brake system. And just like with motor oil, foreign materials can reduce the effectiveness of brake fluid. When that happens, it’s time for a brake fluid flush.
These aren’t the only ways the T.O. Haas team can improve your brakes. We can also resurface your rotors, repack wheel bearings, and provide many other services as needed!
How Your Brakes Work
A fully functioning brake system is crucial to your safety, the safety of your passengers, and the safety of other drivers on the road. Your vehicle’s brake system involves highly engineered parts and precise movements that stop your vehicle by converting kinetic energy into thermal energy.
When you press down on the brake pedal, the master cylinder pressurizes a system of hydraulic brake lines leading to each of the vehicle’s wheels, where brake pads or shoes press against a disc or drum and create the necessary friction needed to slow the vehicle to a complete stop. Over time, this friction and heat have the potential to wear down the brake shoes, brake pads, calipers, brake rotors, and other braking components.
It’s essential to remember that this is a broad description of brake systems—your vehicle’s brakes may work a bit differently. Still, this should give you some insight into the operation of these crucial systems.
Know When You Need Brake Repair
Bad brakes display warning signs for impending brake maintenance. For example, if your brakes squeal or grind when in use, your brake pads may be worn and require replacement. If your vehicle pulls to one side when braking, this may point to worn brakes, a malfunctioning caliper, or low brake fluid in the brake lines. If your brake pedal presses down too easily—also known as “spongy” brakes—this may be an indication of too much air in the hydraulic brake lines. Sometimes, your vehicle’s electronic diagnostic system will alert you to a potential brake issue by a service indicator light on the dashboard.
While these are only some of the most common signs of potential problems with your vehicle’s brake system, noticing these signs of faulty brakes and seeking out a brake service can save you money down the line. Our staff is trained in maintaining and servicing front and rear brake systems and all accompanying brake system components like brake pads, brake shoes, parking brakes, rotors, drums, and hydraulic systems. If you experience any of the above signs or symptoms of bad brakes, like unusual squealing or grinding noises, then contact us online or call us today to have your brakes inspected immediately.
Save Money on Brake Services
Brake repair is far from the most expensive type of car repair you’ll need to deal with as a vehicle owner in Nebraska. Still, taking care of a sudden brake failure can create unexpected costs—and nobody wants to pay more than they have to for a brake service.
To make this process easier for the customers of T.O. Haas, we offer all kinds of brake specials. Here’s an overview of our savings opportunities:
In-Store Coupons
One of the easiest ways to save big at T.O. Haas is to take advantage of our online coupons. If you spot a coupon that could be useful for your situation, be sure to use it ASAP—it may not stick around forever!
Tradesmen Discounts
Whether you’re an electrician, plumber, contractor, or any other type of tradesman, you have a crucial role to play in the local economy. To show our appreciation, we provide various discounts to people working in the trades. Just show us a paycheck stub, business card, or any other type of trade identification to qualify.
Financing
These discounts can be helpful, but they may not be enough to help you figure out how you’re going to pay for brake repair. If that’s the case, we also offer our customers a selection of financing options. Depending on your needs, you can sign up for CFNA Bridgestone-Firestone Tire or a Acima credit card.
Schedule Your Appointment For Brake Inspection Today
Whether you have noticed your brakes becoming less effective over time, have spotted a suspicious puddle under your vehicle, or simply haven’t had your brakes looked at lately, there’s a good chance that it’s time for a professional brake service. T.O. Haas has you covered if you’re looking for a high-quality brake shop in Nebraska or elsewhere. Set up your next brake inspection online today!
Are you looking for more information on T.O. Haas Tire & Auto? You can explore our locations in the area, learn more about who we are and what we do, or read up on the other automotive services we handle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Like any other auto service task, the amount of time a brake job will take varies depending on the job itself. If you simply need a new set of brake pads, you won’t have to wait long at all. The ASE-certified mechanics at T.O. Haas Tire & Auto will be able to handle this in minutes.
Brake pad replacement is one of the quickest brake-related tasks out there, but it shouldn’t take us much longer to complete other jobs in this category. In fact, the crew at T.O. Haas can finish most brake jobs in three hours or less. Of course, some tasks (such as creating new brake lines or replacing a master cylinder) can take longer. Even then, you won’t have to wait a whole day for us to finish these jobs—just eight hours or so.
While the team at T.O. Haas takes pride in offering efficient brake fixes, we understand that even a short appointment can be hard to deal with if you already have a packed schedule. We provide multiple locations across Nebraska to make life as convenient as possible for our valued customers. That way, you’re never too far from a T.O. Haas brake shop!
If you’re like many Nebraska motorists, you might treat your vehicle’s brake pads as an afterthought. But while these aren’t the most elaborate car components out there, they need regular maintenance to do their job—and that job is much more important than you might think.
Your brake pads are responsible for generating the friction needed to stop your car by pressing against your vehicle’s brake disc. Every time they do this job, the resulting friction causes the pads to lose an imperceptible amount of material. Eventually, your brake pads will be left with no material at all. At that point, the steel under these pads will make direct contact with the brake disc, which could easily wreak havoc on your overall brake system.
To avoid these issues, you’ll need to be diligent about replacing your brake pads. These common signs can indicate that you need brake pad replacement ASAP:
- Needing extra distance to bring your vehicle to a complete stop.
- Veering toward one side of the road when you brake.
- Having less brake pedal resistance than you’d expect.
- A vibrating brake pedal.
- Puddles of yellow brake fluid under your car.
- A dashboard light turning on (in some vehicles).
Your car’s brake system is hydraulic—that is, your vehicle needs a certain amount of brake fluid to slow or stop successfully. But like any other type of automotive fluid, you’ll eventually have to replace your brake fluid. Signs of low brake fluid levels include:
- Extended stopping times.
- A “mushy” or “spongy” brake pedal.
- The brake warning light on your car’s dashboard turns on.
If you want to be sure how much brake fluid your car has left, it’s wise to know how to check it yourself. This process involves locating the brake fluid reservoir on your vehicle’s master cylinder and looking at the fluid inside. If your car’s brake fluid level is low, or if your fluid is visibly dark or muddy, it’s time to schedule service at a local brake shop. (For a complete guide to checking your brake fluid, refer to your owner’s manual.)
Even though you can check your brake fluid level by yourself, you shouldn’t attempt to change this fluid on your own. That’s because brake fluid is a toxic substance, and spilling it could adversely affect your car’s paint job. When you need brake fluid replacement, your best bet is to set up an appointment at T.O. Haas. You’ll be able to save money in the process by using our online coupons.
By now, you’ve had a chance to read about some common red flags associated with brake system problems. Still, it’s worth taking some time to really understand these issues and what causes them. If you need brake repair, you might notice:
- Reduced brake pedal resistance. This is often the result of air getting into your car’s brake lines. If that’s the cause, you’ll be able to fix this issue with a simple brake fluid flush. Other possible causes include brake line damage, caliper leaks, and a worn-out master cylinder.
- Vibrations in your brake pedal. Whether your brake pedal is a little shaky or violently shuddering, this isn’t an issue you should ignore. A vibrating brake pedal is usually caused by worn-out, damaged, or dirty brake pads. However, a worn rotor and incorrect wheel alignment are other potential culprits.
- Yellow brake fluid puddles under your car. This is a telltale sign that you have a brake fluid leak. The cause could be anything from your master cylinder to a brake line, so it’s best to let the professionals find and resolve your leak.
- Your car pulling left or right while braking. Like many other brake problems, this could be due to worn-out brake pads. Warped rotors, a stuck caliper, a collapsed brake hose, and uneven tire pressure can also cause this problem.
The only people who should handle brake issues like these are trained mechanics working at a reputable brake shop. If you live in Nebraska, the intelligent decision is choosing T.O. Haas to solve all these problems and more!
As a Nebraska-area driver, there are countless auto maintenance tasks you should keep up with, including brake care. Sometimes this means you’ll need brake replacement, and it’s a good idea to know what this service entails before scheduling it.
While the thought of replacing your brakes might sound intimidating, this service isn’t nearly as elaborate or expensive as you might assume. That’s because it usually doesn’t involve replacing your calipers, hoses, or master cylinder. Instead, most “brake replacement” jobs actually focus on replacing your brake pads.
If you notice any of the issues listed under “What are signs of worn brake pads?” it’s time to consider replacing them. Additionally, you might be able to tell when your brake pads are wearing out by listening closely. Many modern brake pads come equipped with a “brake wear indicator”—a tab that’ll rub against your brake disc when enough of the pad material wears away, making a squealing noise in the process. You might also notice a grinding sound, which could point to worn brake pads or other issues.
If you’ve noticed any signs of brake pad wear in your vehicle, the crew at T.O. Haas can help. Set up your appointment for brake repair services today!
Like just about any part of your braking system, brake calipers are subject to friction due to the way this system works. As a result, these components won’t last forever—but the good news is that brake calipers can last much, much longer than some brake components will. In fact, these parts should last roughly the entire lifespan of your vehicle (10 years or 75,000–100,000 miles, to be precise).
That said, factors such as your driving habits and the environment in which you drive can shorten the estimated lifespan of your calipers. If your calipers need replacing ahead of schedule, choose the expert mechanics at your closest T.O. Haas brake shop to handle this job!
