Bruce's Tire provides Brake Repair services to Oakland, CA, Fremont, CA, San Jose, CA, and other surrounding areas.

Come to the Experts at our Brake Shops

Trust your safety on the road to our ASE-certified mechanics. We provide comprehensive, top-notch brake repair and brake service to drivers in Oakland, Fremont, San Jose, and surrounding areas. Make an appointment now at the location nearest you for our fast, affordable service.

Complete Brake Repair & Brake Pad Replacement Services

Our brake specialists offer premium brake repair and brake services, including: 

Brake Repair Inspection

Brake inspections are one of the most important maintenance tasks for your car or truck. We generally recommend that you have your brake system inspected about every six months, but your normal driving conditions may point to the need for more or less frequent inspections. 

Bruce’s Tire & Auto Service’s mechanics will check all the components of your brake system to ensure that your vehicle is safe to drive. Depending on the result of your inspection, we may recommend repairs or services that may include brake pad replacement, new brake calipers, hose and brake line replacement, or other services. We will provide a clear estimate for any necessary services before any work begins on your vehicle.

Brake Rotor and Brake Pad Replacement

Over time, brake pads and rotors become worn by friction and the heat it creates. As these parts wear out, you may notice a vibration in your steering wheel or high-pitched squealing or screeching noises as you brake. Other signs that you may need brake rotor and brake pad replacement include additional time needed to brake and a dashboard warning from your anti-lock braking system (ABS).

Check your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommended service intervals for brake rotors or ask one of our brake shop mechanics for guidance on the service schedule that’s right for your vehicle.

Front and Rear Disc Brake Repair

Most modern vehicles have disc brakes on the front and the rear. Since your vehicle’s front brakes provide the majority of stopping power, these usually wear out more quickly than your rear brakes, but rear brakes—like many components in your vehicle that are subject to repeated friction—will also wear out over time with regular use.

It’s important to make an appointment at one of our brake shop locations at the first sign of brake trouble, such as grinding or squealing noises. If your brake pads are completely worn, the calipers in your brake system will be in direct, metal-to-metal contact with your rotors, which can damage them.

Rear Drum Brake Repair

Some vehicles have rear drum brakes rather than rear disc brakes. This type of brake system generates a significant amount of friction and heat that will normally degrade system components over time, but rapid or excessive wear may indicate that you have other brake problems.

If you hear grinding, squealing, or screeching sounds as you brake, you likely have worn brake shoes that are rubbing against the rear brake drum. Make sure you have brakes you can rely on. Schedule a brake service at Bruce’s Tire today. 

What to Know About Brake Repair

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. While the components comprising each brake system may vary, the warning signs for impending brake repairs are the same.

Signs You May Need Brake Repair

Bad brakes display warning signs for impending brake maintenance. For example, if your brakes squeal or grind when in use, then 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 pressed down too easily—also known as “spongy” brakes—then 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.

Take Advantage of Our Brake Specials

We know what unexpected car expenses can do to your budget, so we always offer great savings on all our services and tires. Before you schedule your appointment for brake service at Bruce’s Tire & Auto Service, be sure to check our coupons page for the latest deals and rebates.

Brake Shop FAQs

Will my warranty be voided if I don’t get brake repairs done at the dealership?

You legally have the right to have your car or truck serviced or repaired at any brake shop without negatively affecting your vehicle’s warranty. Auto dealerships can’t deny warranty coverage if an outside mechanic does repairs or maintenance.

When you come to Bruce’s Tire & Auto Service for your brake repairs, our ASE-certified mechanics will provide a level of service that meets or surpasses the service you’ll get from your dealership. 

How can I make my brakes last longer?

There are several ways you can extend the life of your brake pads and rotors, which will also help prevent excessive wear on your tires:

• Avoid riding your brake pedal, which can cause your brake pads to wear down faster and your rotors to warp due to excessive heat.

• Allow more time and space to stop so that you can gradually come to a stop. This is particularly good advice when you frequently drive in stop-and-go traffic, which can quickly wear down your brake pads.
• Reduce the weight you have in your vehicle if you can. A lot of weight in your car or truck will require more brake pressure to bring it to a complete stop. Avoid leaving a trailer attached to your vehicle if you’re not actively using it to tow a load.
• Schedule regular brake inspections, which is one of the best ways to ensure your brake pads and brake rotors last longer.

Remember that the more you can do to reduce the excessive heat and friction generated by braking, the better the life and the performance you’ll get from your brakes.

When do I need to change my brake fluid?

It’s a good idea to check your owner’s manual to see what the manufacturer of your car or truck recommends since the schedule varies depending on what type of vehicle you have. 

There are signs to look for that can indicate it’s time to come to Bruce’s Tire for a brake fluid change, including:

• Illumination of your ABS light on your dashboard: If you have a late-model car, the ABS light will come on if your brake fluid level is low.
• Unusual noises when you brake: This can happen when your brake fluid is dirty or you need to add brake fluid.
• A strong chemical odor: When brakes are overheating because you have a low brake fluid level or dirty brake fluid, you may notice a burning chemical odor. If you smell this, it’s critical that you stop driving the vehicle immediately and let your brakes cool off. Otherwise, you may be risking complete brake failure.
• Your brakes feel spongy: Brake fluid issues can lead to a feeling of spongy brakes when you press the brake pedal, or you may notice that it’s harder to press down.

Can I change the brake fluid myself?

While there are some tasks that drivers can do themselves, handling brake fluid isn’t one of them. We recommend that you have professional brake repair mechanics change your brake fluid for several reasons:

• There are several kinds of brake fluid, and each has its own specifications and ratings. Our ASE-certified mechanics can determine which type is best for your vehicle.
• Brake fluid is both combustible and toxic, and it must be both handled and disposed of properly.
• >It’s important that all of the air is bled from your brake system before replacing brake fluid. Brake shop professionals have the experience and equipment needed to make sure this is done properly.

Why do dashboard brake lights come on?

No matter the reason a brake light is illuminated on your dashboard, it’s important to address it as soon as possible to make sure your car remains safe to drive. A dashboard brake light may indicate an issue as simple as a parking brake that’s on or a malfunctioning sensor, or it may be a more serious problem, such as low brake fluid or an electrical issue. In any case, be sure to schedule service at one of our locations to have our brake experts inspect your brakes.