Locally Owned & Operated in Traverse City, MI.
Warning Signs You Need Brake Repair
- Squealing or squeaking: many pads have a built-in wear indicator that squeals when they are getting thin.
- Grinding: usually means the pads are worn through and metal is touching the rotor. Stop driving and call us.
- Soft or spongy pedal: can point to air or moisture in the brake fluid, a leak, or a failing master cylinder.
- Pulling to one side when braking: often a sticking caliper or uneven pad wear.
- Vibration or pulsing in the pedal or steering wheel: commonly caused by worn or uneven rotors.
- Brake warning light: low fluid, worn pads or an ABS problem.
- Burning smell after driving: a dragging brake can overheat.
Our Brake Services
- Brake inspection: we measure pad and shoe thickness, check rotors and drums, look for leaks and test the pedal feel.
- Brake pad replacement: for front and rear disc brakes.
- Brake shoe replacement: for vehicles with rear drum brakes.
- Rotor and drum service: resurfacing when possible, replacement when needed.
- Caliper repair and replacement: fixes sticking or leaking calipers.
- Brake line repair: rusted steel brake lines are a common Michigan problem and a serious safety risk.
- Brake fluid service: old fluid absorbs moisture, which lowers its boiling point and can corrode parts.
- Parking brake adjustment and repair
Road Salt and Your Brakes
Michigan road salt does more than rust body panels. It attacks brake lines, caliper slide pins and the mounting hardware that holds your pads in place. Rusted slide pins can cause a caliper to stick, which wears pads unevenly and can make the vehicle pull. Rusted brake lines can leak or burst without much warning. During every brake service, we look closely at these salt-damaged parts so you are not caught off guard in the middle of winter.
Lifetime Warranty on Brake Pads and Shoes
Muffler Shop & Auto offers a lifetime warranty on brake pads and shoes. We will explain the warranty terms when we quote your brake job, so you know exactly what is covered.
Get Your Brakes Checked Before Winter
Fall is the best time to have your brakes inspected. Stopping distances are longer on snow and ice, and you want full braking power before the first storm. If you have noticed any of the warning signs above, or you cannot remember your last brake inspection, call us to schedule one.
Why Choose Muffler Shop & Auto for Brakes
- A Traverse City shop since 1975, family owned by the Swinehart family.
- More than 40 years of combined technician experience.
- We explain what we find and help you prioritize repairs by safety and budget.
- Lifetime warranty on brake pads and shoes.
- Waiting and drop-off options, plus a night drop box.
Need brake repair in Traverse City? Call (231) 947-3124 to schedule a brake inspection, or stop by 2850 N. US-31 South.