Brake Services in Graham & Yelm, WA
At Graham Auto Repair your safety is our first priority.
We know that brakes are essential to keep you and your family safe on the road. That's why we offer a comprehensive range of brake services to keep your car in its best condition. Every customer has unique needs for their vehicle. The way you drive and how often you drive is unique to you. For that reason, we take the time to get to know you and your driving style. This helps us meet your individual needs.
What is the Brake System?
- Brake System Components: Brake rotors (discs), calipers, brake pads, brake drums, brake shoes, brake fluid, and related hardware.
- Function: The brake system slows down or stops the vehicle by creating friction. This is either between brake pads and rotors (in disc brakes) or brake shoes and drums (in drum brakes).
- Brake Fluid: Brake fluid sends braking force from the brake pedal to the brake components. It lubricates the parts, prevents corrosion, and maintains performance. Completing regular maintenance and replacing your brake fluid is important.
What Brake Services Do We Offer?
- Brake System Inspection: Do you think it's time for new brakes? Our Technicians will examine all brake components to identify any potential concerns. This includes: brake pads, rotors, calipers, parking brake, and brake fluid. For vehicles with a brake drum system they will examine the drums and shoes as well. Our vehicle inspections are digital. This means your Service Advisor will share photos with you via email or text. They will share recommendations for any repairs or maintenance.
- Brake Pad Replacement: It's important to ensure your brake pads do not become worn out. Thin brake pads are not as effective at making sure your vehicle stops. We use high-quality brake pads to provide you with long-lasting performance and reliability.
- Brake Caliper Replacement: Faulty brake calipers can affect your braking performance. During the Brake Inspection we will determine if you need to replace the brake calipers. By replacing your brake calipers, we provide balanced braking and prevent uneven wear.
- Brake Rotor Resurfacing: It may be possible to resurface your rotors rather than replace them. We will determine this during the Brake Inspection. If possible, we use our resurfacing machine to restore your brake rotors to a smooth, even surface. This will extend the lifespan of your rotors and save you money by replacing them later down the road.
- Brake Rotor Replacement: If your brake rotors are too worn or damaged, we can replace your brake rotors instead. We install high-quality rotors to give your vehicle reliable and effective braking power. Learn more about Brake Rotors here in this blog: What is Rotor Resurfacing?
- Brake Drum & Brake Shoe Replacement: Does your vehicle have a drum brake system? We can service your vehicle as well! Our brake drum and brake shoe services will help your vehicle stop smooth and safe again. During the Brake Inspection our Technicians will determine which parts are worn out. We will replace any worn or damaged brake drums and shoes with high-quality parts.
- Brake Fluid Replacement: You can maintain smooth and responsive braking with our Wynn's brake fluid service. We will remove the old brake fluid and replace it with fresh, high-quality fluid. This helps to prevent corrosion and ensure optimal brake performance.
- Emergency Parking Brake Repair: Do you have concerns with your parking brake? Our emergency parking brake service will provide you with security and peace of mind.
- Brake System Diagnostics: Do you have concerns about your braking system? Get accurate brake system diagnostics from our Technicians. During the diagnostic service we take photos and write notes about our findings. We share our digital inspection with you for full transparency. We send them to you via text or email, along with our recommendation for services or repairs.
Brake Safely with Expert Brake Services
If you’re experiencing concerns with your brakes, don’t wait—schedule an appointment with Graham Auto Repair today. Our knowledgeable service advisors will guide you through the process, providing clear recommendations to keep your vehicle safe on the road. Call or visit us in Graham or Yelm, or click the button below to book your appointment and experience service you can trust!
Why Choose Graham Auto Repair for your brake service?
- We use only the highest quality parts and materials.
- Most services are covered by our in-house warranty for both parts & labor.
- Our team of skilled technicians are ready to diagnose and repair any brake concern.
- We complete a digital vehicle inspection with every service.
- We take photos & videos of the inspection to share with you via text or email.
- Our advisors will partner with you to keep your vehicle in its best working condition.
- We have a comfortable waiting room with TV, a coffee bar with snacks, free wifi & kids’ play area.
- We offer a courtesy shuttle for our local customers. We will pick you up & drop you off, before and after services.
Have Questions About Brake Services?
Your brakes are one of the most important safety systems on your vehicle. If you’re wondering how brakes work, when to replace brake pads or rotors, or what’s included in a brake inspection, you’re in the right place. Below you’ll find answers to the most common brake questions we hear from customers. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, give us a call — we’re happy to help!
🚨 Brake Symptoms & Warning Signs
Q. How do I know if my brakes need to be replaced?A. You may need brake service if you hear squealing, squeaking, or grinding noises when braking. Other signs include longer stopping distances, a spongy or soft brake pedal, vibration when braking, or a warning light on your dashboard. If you notice any of these, schedule a brake inspection right away.
Q. What are the signs that my brake pads are worn out?A. Common signs include squealing or grinding sounds, longer stopping distance, a brake warning light, or a spongy brake pedal. If your car pulls to one side or the steering wheel shakes when braking, your pads or rotors may be worn unevenly.
Q. What do worn brake pads look like?A. Worn brake pads look very thin—typically less than 1/4 inch thick. They may also look uneven or have grooves. Our technicians take photos during your inspection so you can see exactly what we see.
🛠️ Brake System Parts & Repairs
Q. What’s the difference between brake pads and brake shoes?A. Brake pads are used in disc brake systems, which are more common in modern vehicles. They press against a rotor to stop your car. Brake shoes are used in drum brake systems, usually found on rear wheels. They press outward against a drum to slow down the vehicle.
Q. How many brake pads are on a car?A. Most vehicles have 4 brake pads per axle—2 on each wheel—so a total of 8 brake pads for a four-wheel disc brake system. Some vehicles with drum brakes in the rear will have shoes instead of pads.
Q. Where are the brake pads located on my car?A. Brake pads are located inside the calipers, which sit on either side of the brake rotors behind each wheel. When you press the brake pedal, the calipers squeeze the pads against the rotors to slow or stop your car.
Q. Do I need to replace my brake rotors, or can they be resurfaced?A. That depends on the condition of your rotors. If there’s enough material left and the surface is even, we may be able to resurface them using our rotor resurfacing machine. If they’re too worn or damaged, replacement is the safer option. We’ll inspect them and let you know what’s best for your vehicle.
Q. What does it mean to resurface brake rotors?A. Resurfacing (or “turning”) brake rotors is the process of removing a thin layer of metal to restore a smooth, even surface. This helps eliminate vibrations, extends rotor life, and improves braking performance—when the rotor is still within safe thickness limits.
Q. Is it better to resurface or replace rotors?A. Resurfacing is more cost-effective if the rotors are still in good shape. But if they’re below minimum thickness or have deep grooves or warping, replacement is the safer and more effective option.
Q. Is it okay to only fix one part of my brake system?A. In some cases, yes—but not always. If one part is worn, others may be close behind. Our technicians look at the whole system to make sure your brakes work safely and evenly. We’ll always explain what’s urgent and what can be planned for a future visit.
🔍 Brake Inspections & Diagnostics
Q. What’s included in a brake inspection at Graham Auto Repair?A. We perform a full digital inspection of your brake system, including brake pads, rotors, calipers, brake fluid, and parking brake. Our ASE-certified technicians take detailed photos and videos and share them with you by text or email. Your Service Advisor will walk you through the results and help you decide what repairs are needed now and what can wait.
💧 Brake Fluid & Maintenance
Q. What’s included in your brake fluid service?A. We offer Wynn’s Brake Fluid Service, which includes removing old brake fluid, flushing the system, and replacing it with fresh, high-quality fluid. This helps maintain brake performance and prevents internal corrosion in your braking system.
Q. How often should I replace my brake pads?A. It depends on how and where you drive. On average, brake pads last between 30,000–70,000 miles. City driving or towing can wear them down faster. We’ll inspect them during routine service and let you know when it’s time.
📍 Locations & Service Area
Q. Do you offer brake services in Graham, WA?A. Yes! Our Graham Auto Repair location at 22217 Meridian Ave E, Graham, WA 98338 provides complete brake services, including inspections, brake pad replacement, rotor resurfacing, and brake fluid service. Call or schedule online to book your appointment.
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