The braking system is a crucial part of any vehicle to ensure safe stopping. To be certain that your vehicle’s brakes are working efficiently at all times, it is essential to have the braking system serviced from time to time. Servicing the braking system regularly can help maintain your vehicle’s braking life at a peak. Firestone is a tire and rubber manufacturing company that also provides automobile maintenance services and parts replacement.
So, if you’re planning to have your next braking service from Firestone, this blog will cover everything you need to know about brakes, signs you need to have your brakes serviced, Firestone’s brake service cost, and more.
Understanding The Brake System
Learning about your vehicle’s systems and how they work can help you understand the overall workings of each component better. To ensure healthy working brakes, it is crucial to know how the braking system works in order to tell when it needs repairing or servicing.
The three main components of a braking system are brake pads, brake rotors, and calipers.
Brake pads: The brake pads are often found in cars that use disc brakes or drum brakes. Brake pads are usually metallic, ceramic, or organic (glass, rubber, or resin) depending on your vehicle’s manufacturing.
The brake pads physically squeeze against your vehicle’s brake rotors, creating friction, and use that friction to transform the vehicle’s kinetic energy into heat, which enables stopping or slowing down.
Brake rotors: Brake rotors often come in four types: Blank & Smooth, Drilled, Slotted, and Drilled & Slotted, which all have different purposes according to vehicle types and driving conditions.
The brake rotors are metal discs that connect to the tire’s hub. The rotors are constantly moving as the wheel moves, and allow the pads to squeeze against the rotors to make the tire stop.
Brake calipers: A brake caliper is usually found in disc brake systems and mostly on the front wheels. Brake calipers act as a metal clamp that is on each wheel’s brake rotor.
When you press down on the brake pedal, the brake fluid is sent to a set of pistons that are inside the caliper, which helps to press the brake pads against the rotor and stop the vehicle. To make sure these components are working efficiently, it is important to have them serviced or repaired from time to time. Doing this can also help increase your vehicle’s overall lifespan and health.
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
You may have already heard about the anti-lock braking system, as most cars these days come integrated with them. Earlier ABS was an optional feature; however, recently it has been offered as a standard safety feature by most automakers.
The ABS helps to prevent your car from skidding and allows you to have full control of your vehicle, eliminating the situation of wheels locking in a hard braking situation. ABS typically uses advanced sensors and sends rhythmic impulses that prevent wheels from locking.
Unlike your regular disc brakes, ABS contains a different set of components, such as speed sensors, valves, actual brakes, pumps, and an electronic control unit to help ensure safe stopping.
4 Common Signs Your Vehicle Needs A Brake Service
A number of factors could affect your brakes, such as brakes fading because you may live on high terrain, wet and cold climate conditions, bad braking habits, road conditions, etc. The braking system and its components constantly work to ensure your car can stop whenever required. Sometimes, they give signs that indicate the components have worn out and require replacing.
These signs could be:
- Unusual sounds: Hearing weird screeching noises like metal grinding against each other whenever you hit the brake, could indicate your vehicle’s brake pads have worn out.
- Shaking steering wheel: Worn-out or twisted brake rotors can cause your steering wheel to shake whenever you come to a stop. This can happen when brake rotors have been exposed to extreme heat.
- Soft brake pedal: You may feel your brake pedal feeling soft or squishy whenever you press it down. This could mean air has entered your vehicle’s brake fluid and possibly needs a brake fluid flush.
- Warning light: If your vehicle suspects something is wrong with a braking component that could eventually interfere with the vehicle’s stopping, the system will display a warning brake light on your dashboard.
If you are planning on getting your car or just brakes serviced, then opt for Firestone’s servicing. Firestone stands at number two out of the top automobile servicing companies in all of the United States.
Firestone And Its Vehicle Maintenance Services
Firestone is an American Tire and Rubber Company manufacturing company that was founded by Harvey S. Firestone in 1900. Initially, this company was made to supply tires for firetrucks, but it gradually moved to supply tires for buggies, wagons, and cars. Eventually, it started providing automobile maintenance services in 1926.
Firestone has 2,300 Complete Auto Care locations all over the United States that provide vehicle maintenance for all types of cars. Whether you have a luxurious modern car or a regular economical vehicle, Firestone will repair parts and provide regular maintenance.
It also provides a wide range of services, from as little as engine oil changes to as big as full engine replacements or repairs and more.
What To Expect In Firestone’s Brake Services?
Firestone provides great brake services, as they always offer free brake inspections all year round and even regular Firestone brake service coupons, which can be redeemed at any local Firestone auto care center. These coupons can easily be availed of from Firestone’s website for various other services, including brakes.
Firestone is carrying the experience of almost 100 years in the automobile industry and is always receiving positive feedback in terms of their polite and helpful staffing or excellent jobs that they have done on vehicles.
Firestone’s brake service reviews have also been good, as it provides a great deal of replacing and inspecting your vehicle’s braking system to ensure it’s working at its optimal performance. This company also offers to change your brake rotors or pads to high-quality brake parts, even if you were previously using low-quality parts.
Here is a list of what you should expect when opting for Firestone’s brake services:
Free Brake Inspection: During the free brake inspection, Firestone will take your vehicle for a test drive to figure out if there is any problem with the brakes. Then the mechanics will do a visual check to see if they can see any potential damage to the parts and check your brake fluid.
During the free inspection, they will also take measurements of your brake pads, rotors, and drums if in case they need changing.
Replacement of brake components: After the free inspection, if any of the components, such as brake lines, hoses, or other brake components, need replacing, Firestone will offer to replace those parts and charge you for them accordingly.
Provides new brake parts: Firestone will put in new brake pads or resurface brake rotors and drums, which will also cost you.
Warranty: Firestone offers a nationwide warranty for your brakes, which means you can be in any part of the United States and have your warranty claimed.
Brake service at Firestone costs will depend on if Firestone will change these components if they find it necessary to; if your braking parts are good to go, they will only inspect and let you go free of charge.
Firestone’s Brake Service Cost
If you are wondering how much Firestone’s brake pad replacement costs, there are many factors at play. If they only resurface the rotors, you will be charged $130-$240 per axle.
Overall, Firestone’s brake service will cost from $350 to $470, including new brake pads and rotors. However, this is not a fixed price. There are a few factors that can change the cost of brakes.
- Damages of brakes: The severity of damage to your brakes determines how much you are going to get charged. If the components are worn out to a point where they need replacement, you are surely going to pay more compared to someone who’s brake parts only needed repairs.
- Vehicle type: Another factor that matters is the type and make of your vehicle. Bigger and more expensive vehicles would require more time and servicing compared to the smaller and more affordable ones.
- Labor cost: The charges will also depend on how many hours of labor have gone into your vehicle’s brake servicing. The complex job requires high expertise and more time, requiring you to pay more.
- Location: The biggest factor in pricing is the location. If you live in cities such as New York and California that are genuinely expensive, then services provided by Firestone will also be a little expensive.
- Brake pad types: The type of brake pads you use are also another factor in the overall cost. The metallic and ceramic brake pads are usually more expensive than organic brake pads. So, if you want the better, you will have to pay for it.
Firestone will provide ceramic brake pads or choose according to the manufacturer’s specifications. After the servicing, Firestone offers a 12-month or 12,000-mile warranty with the servicing.
5 Tips To Maintain Your Brake System
Having your vehicle’s brake system maintained by automotive experts like Firestone will do no good until you do your part. Apart from professional assistance, your vehicle needs regular and proper maintenance. Maintaining your brake’s lifespan will not only ensure your safety but will even eventually save you money from having to replace them every now and then.
Usually, car brakes have a lifespan of 25,000 to 65,000 miles, but some users may not reach this optimal level due to their poor driving habits and complete negligence towards their ride.
However, you can start over by becoming a responsible car owner by adopting good driving habits and following the brake maintenance tips mentioned below. Opting these habits can lead to fewer frequent brake changes and an extended brake life.
- Regular maintenance: Your brakes should be inspected regularly after every 6,000 miles. And if you find any issue, take your ride to a mechanic to handle it.
- Use high-quality parts: Using high-quality brake parts will ensure that they last longer and won’t need to be replaced often. It will be like making one-time big investment that will pay for itself down the road.
- Avoid rash driving: Adopt good driving habits such as applying the brakes smoothly and softly rather than harsh, excessive, and frequent braking. The better you are to your car, the better it will be to you.
- Replace brake fluid: Brake fluid only needs to be replaced every two years, or 20,000 miles to 40,000 miles. But if it has been over two years or crossed the mile limit, do not hesitate to have the fluid changed.
- Avoid excessive weight: Avoid overloading your vehicle. The heavier it becomes, the harder it is for the brakes to stop the vehicle. Never go overboard with your ride’s payload capacity, whether you own a sedan, SUV, or a pickup.
Maintaining brake life is important for both safety and performance. Well-functioning brakes ensure efficient stopping power, reducing the risk of accidents and collisions. Additionally, well-maintained brakes enhance your overall driving experience by providing smoother and more responsive handling.
Related FAQs
How much does Firestone charge for brakes?
Your total amount payable to Firestone for checking your vehicle’s brakes depends on several factors, like whether your brakes needed repair or replacement, whether was there any issue with other components, which package you opt for, your location, labor cost, and more.
Typically, Firestone charges $300 to $800 to install new brakes and provides a 12,000-mile warranty for their braking services. Your total bill can exceed this average price depending on the severity of your issue and if you get other services as well.
But to get a better idea, keep in mind that it will cost you at least $300 for getting new brakes.
Does Firestone bleed brakes?
Bleeding brakes is the process of removing air bubbles and other containments from the brake’s fluid. The simple answer is yes, Firestone does bleed brakes for you. Under Firestone’s brake services, they will undergo this process if there is air trapped in your brake fluid. Along with bleeding brakes, they may also exchange the brake fluid.
Firestone will also look at other parts of the brakes to ensure everything is working perfectly, and if not, they will replace them for you.
How much are the front brakes?
The cost for front brakes can vary depending on several factors, such as the model and making of the vehicle, using aftermarket parts, labor, and a complete change including pads, rotors, calipers, etc. On average, a whole set of replacing just the front brakes can cost you $200-$800.
How many miles before brake service is required in a vehicle?
It is recommended to have your brakes serviced every 20,000 miles to 60,000 miles. However, this range can vary from driver to driver. Someone who drives their car frequently will require brake service way sooner than someone who takes out his ride from the garage occasionally.
The more vigorous you are with your vehicle, the frequent care of servicing it will require. However, if you are gentle with your brakes, always practice good driving habits, and follow the right vehicle maintenance routine, your brakes can surely last longer than 60,000 miles.
If you feel you haven’t driven 20,000 miles to 60,000 miles and still hear metal noises or the brake pedal feels weird whenever you press down on it, then it is recommended you take your vehicle to a mechanic and have it checked.
Is Firestone expensive in terms of its vehicle service rates?
Firestone’s prices are relatively similar to its competitors, such as Jiffy Lube. Firestone offers a variety of services, including engine repairs, regular maintenance, oil changes, brake services, etc. It is generally cheaper than other dealerships to offer tires and automobile services. Firestone also provides regular coupons to reduce prices for their services.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the average of Firestone’s brake service cost is almost similar to the other prominent car maintenance providers in the USA like Jiffy Lube and Meineke. The Firestone can charge you around $350-$470 depending on the severity of your brakes related issues, the type of your vehicle, where you live, and more.
One of the best and easiest ways you can ensure the safety of yourself, your passengers, and others on the road is by regularly maintaining your vehicle’s components. Adopt good driving habits to enhance your overall vehicle’s performance and driving experience.
