Brakes are the most important safety system on your vehicle, and brake repair is the kind of work where shortcuts cost lives. Pads, rotors, calipers, brake lines, brake fluid, master cylinder, ABS sensors — every component has a wear curve, and modern anti-lock systems are tied into stability control, traction control, and (on newer vehicles) automatic emergency braking. Frank's Automotive has been doing brake work in New Braunfels for 26+ years; if you've heard a squeal or felt a pull, we'll inspect it and tell you what's actually wrong.
What's involved
A full brake service at our shop usually covers:
- Pad replacement — OEM-equivalent ceramic or semi-metallic, matched to your vehicle
- Rotor service — resurface (turn) if there's enough thickness, replace if not (rotors below spec can't stop the car safely)
- Caliper inspection — sticking calipers wear pads unevenly and damage rotors
- Brake fluid check and flush — brake fluid absorbs water over time, which lowers its boiling point and corrodes lines and the master cylinder. Most manufacturers call for a flush every 2–3 years
- ABS scan — the anti-lock system has its own sensor at each wheel; we read the codes and check sensor signals on a scope
- Test drive — every brake job ends with a test drive to confirm pedal feel, no pull, and no vibration
We always quote in writing before doing the work — pads vs. pads-and-rotors vs. fluid-flush — so you can decide what to do now and what can wait.
When to bring it in
The classic signs:
- Squealing at light pressure — the wear-indicator tab on the pad is touching the rotor (pad almost gone)
- Grinding — pad is worn through; you're now scoring the rotor, and the repair just got more expensive
- Pulling to one side when braking — sticking caliper or uneven pad wear
- Spongy or low pedal — air in the lines, low fluid, or a failing master cylinder
- Vibration in the steering wheel under braking — warped rotor
- Dashboard brake or ABS light — could be low fluid, parking brake engaged, or an ABS fault
If you suspect a brake issue, stop driving the vehicle. A faulty braking system isn't a "drive it another week and see" repair — it's how single-vehicle accidents happen.
Why Frank's for brake repair
Our service techs are ASE Certified and we have the diagnostic equipment to read ABS, stability-control, and traction-control modules — not just the dashboard light. We use OEM-equivalent pads and rotors, and the work is covered by our 24-month / 24,000-mile warranty, honored at thousands of Tech-Net shops nationwide.
Bring it in for a free brake inspection — pop the wheels off, measure the pads, scope the rotors, write you an estimate. Request an appointment or call (830) 627-3939 and tell us what you're hearing.