Free Brake Check in Provo

Need your brakes checked? At Cougar Tire & Auto we offer free, friendly, no-obligation brake inspections for the Provo, Utah area.

We are Provo’s Brake Specialists. With our multipoint brake inspection checklist our brake technicians provide comprehensive brake inspections at no charge. It’s our no-hassle way of giving you the peace of mind that comes with knowing the actual condition of your vehicle’s brakes and whether those brakes need repair, maintenance or replacement.

Of course we check for the obvious things like pad thickness and rotor or drum condition, but we don’t stop there. It takes way more than just brake pads & rotors for your vehicle’s brake system to do its job.

There are several components in every vehicle braking system that need to work in harmony to keep you safe on the road. Each brake component has a different replacement cycle and we can inspect your brakes right here in Provo at no cost.

What is included in our free brake check?

A proper brake inspection should include an in-depth examination of your entire brake system from the brake pedal to the rotors (or drums) and the brake pads. We check for leaks and proper hydraulic pressure and test to make sure your exterior brake lights are working properly.

Our free brake check service includes a multipoint brake inspection covering these major components as well as the more minor components like seals, springs, and connectors. Here’s a list of what you can expect with every free brake check:

• Brake Pedal Function & Feel
• Dashboard Indicators (BRAKE and ABS Lights)
• Brake Fluid Reservoir Level
• Power Brake Booster
• Master Brake Cylinder
• Brake Lines, Hoses & Fittings
• ABS Hydraulic Unit
• ABS Controller
• On Drum Brakes:
  • Brake Shoes Condition
  • Backing Plate
  • Wheel Cylinder
  • Parking Brake
  • Adjuster Assembly
  • Brake Hardware
• On Disc Brakes:
  • Brake Pads Condition
  • Brake Pads Thickness
  • Hub Bearing Assembly
  • Disc Brake Rotor
  • Brake Pad Shims
  • Caliper Assembly
  • Brake Hardware

After the inspection, we will provide a written estimate for any brake repairs we diagnose, and will help you prioritize what needs immediate attention (and what can wait) before making the repairs.

How often should my brakes be inspected?

A good way to think about the frequency of brake inspections is to have them check every time you change your oil. Why not? It’s free after all! Or at least have your brakes checked once a year or about every 10,000 miles or so. The best way to know how often your brakes should be checked is to refer to your vehicle owner’s manual for the recommended brake inspection interval for your specific year, make and model.

Of course it goes without saying you should have your brakes checked by a mechanic if you notice any of these brake problems:

• Dashboard Alerts or Warnings: Depending on your vehicle, your BRAKE light, ABS light, or Check Engine light may alert you to any number of brake problems.
• Brake Fluid Leaks: If you notice a brake fluid leak in or around your brake fluid reservoir, this should be inspected by a professional as quickly as possible.
• Change in Brake Response: Any time you notice a variation in the responsiveness of your brakes like taking longer to stop, needing to press the pedal further to the floor, a softness in the brake pedal, or having to apply more pressure as you brake toward a stop or downhill, definitely have your brakes checked immediately.
• Brake Noise or Squeaky Brakes: Squeaky or squealing brakes can be an indicator that your brake pads need to be replaced. Grinding or rattling can point to problems with the brake pads and/or rotors or drums. Hissing sounds can indicated brake fluid leaks or air in the brake lines. Clunking, knocking, or clicking noises can indicate potential suspension issues.
• Spongy Brakes: If your brakes become soft or “spongy”, it can be an indicator of low brake fluid or brake shoe or pad issues.
• Stiff Brakes: If your brakes become hard or stiff at the foot pedal, you may have contaminants in the brake fluid or potentially a bad seal on the master brake cylinder.
• Pulling or Veering: If your vehicle tends to pull or veer to one side of the road when you apply the brakes, it could mean faulty brake hardware or uneven hydraulic pressure. Occasionally, brake calipers can seize and stop functioning causing your brake pads to wear out faster than normal.

How long does a free brake inspection take?

Our free brake inspections usually take about 20 minutes to complete. We’ll have you on your way in no time. Our certified brake specialists conduct a thorough investigation of every component of your brake system. We inspect the usual culprits like brake pads, rotors and fluid leaks. And we track down the less obvious issues too, like slowly leaking power brake booster seals or sticky brake calipers that could potentially create safety concerns.

Repair estimates and repairs will take additional time depending on the nature of any potential repair needed. Our brake technicians will provide a written estimate and a detailed explanation of any brake issues along with our professional opinion of what should be done right away, and what could be done at a future date. We always get your approval before we make any adjustments or repairs to your brakes.

Once we provide you with a thorough report on the condition of your brakes, we offer an objective, no-obligation opinion on what is important enough to consider repairing sooner and what can wait for later. Trust us to put your safety first and to do the job right at a fair, affordable price.

Brakes FAQs