The Best Brake Shops in Southern California
Are you a Southern California driver searching for brake repair, brake pad replacement, or any other brake-related services? If so, your best bet for the job is to choose Ramona Tire & Service Centers. We employ the most skilled ASE-certified mechanics in the industry and we have multiple convenient locations across this part of California. These factors and others make us the clear choice for all your braking needs.
What Can We Do for Your Brakes?
A vehicle’s braking system can run into all kinds of issues, so it’s essential to find a brake shop that can fix any problem you might encounter. People in Southern California can’t go wrong by choosing Ramona Tire to improve their braking systems. Here are some of the brake-related services we offer:
Brake Inspection
The first step to any successful brake service is a thorough inspection of the system. Our mechanics know exactly how your brake system should work, making it easy for them to diagnose any problem with your brakes. When they’re finished, they’ll take care of any brake repair and replacement ASAP.
You should seek professional brake inspection services whenever you notice potential braking problems in your vehicle. On top of that, you’ll want experienced mechanics to inspect your brakes at least once every 6,000 miles/six months. By doing so, our crew will have a chance to spot signs of brake issues well before they cause you any trouble.
Brake Pad Replacement
Auto brake systems work by generating friction in order to stop or slow your vehicle. Some of the most essential components in the braking process are known as brake pads. Your vehicle’s piston squeezes these pads against the rotor, which reduces your car’s forward momentum.
Due to the role brake pads play in creating friction for braking systems, they are especially susceptible to wear and tear. For this reason, you can’t use the same set of brake pads forever. When your brake pads are about to reach the end of their lifespan, get them replaced at Ramona Tire.
Brake Fluid Flush
Most Southern California drivers have gone through at least one oil change—and that’s because motor oil collects debris over time, eventually making it less effective. Of course, oil isn’t the only fluid your car needs to function. Your vehicle also requires high-quality brake fluid.
Brake fluid performs slightly different functions in disc and drum brake systems. For any modern vehicle’s brake system, it’s an essential part. However, this fluid can eventually collect dirt in the same way motor oil can. If you have dirty brake fluid, you’ll need to get a brake fluid flush to bring this system back to normal. The Ramona Tire team can get this task taken care of right away!
Brake Repair
Modern auto brake systems are incredibly elaborate, consisting of multiple crucial components. Luckily, the crew at Ramona Tire knows everything about getting your brakes back in shape. We have access to the tools required to handle in-depth brake repairs as well.
Are you unsure how to tell when you need brake repair service? These warning signs can point to serious trouble with your brake system:
- Odd grinding or squealing sounds
- Yellow brake fluid puddles under your vehicle
- Reduced pedal resistance when braking
- Needing more distance than usual to stop
- Veering to one side of the road while braking
- Vibrations in your brake pedal when you stop
And More Brake Services!
Of course, these aren’t the only brake services our team can deliver. Ask us about repacking your wheel bearings, resurfacing your brake rotors, and handling any other services your brakes may need!
Auto Brakes 101
Without a properly-functioning brake system, Southern California drivers can’t keep themselves, their passengers, and other drivers safe. That said, most drivers don’t fully understand how these systems function in the first place. In the interest of keeping Ramona Tire’s customers fully informed, here’s a quick overview of how your car’s brakes work.
Modern-day brake systems are precision-engineered to slow or stop vehicles by taking kinetic energy and converting it into thermal energy. When a driver pushes down on the vehicle’s brake pedal, its master cylinder pressurizes the hydraulic brake lines connected to each wheel. There, brake pads or shoes push against a drum, or disc, creating friction and reducing your vehicle’s momentum. But, that very friction and heat will eventually wear out the brake rotors, brake calipers, and other components that allow the system to function.
This may not be an exact description of your braking system, as these systems can vary quite a bit from one vehicle to the next. However, it should give you a comprehensive high-level overview of how brakes function.
When Do You Need Brake Repair?
If you’re worried that your brakes will suddenly fail without notice or warning, don’t sweat it too much. The signs of brake trouble are easy to spot when you know what to look for:
- One of the clearest indicators of brake problems is squealing or grinding sounds when you brake. This can point to worn-out brake pads in need of replacement.
- You may also notice your vehicle pulling to one side when you brake. When that happens, worn brakes, low levels of brake fluid, or a malfunctioning caliper could be the culprit.
- If you have “spongy brakes” (AKA a brake pedal that pushes down too easily), there might be excess air in your hydraulic brake lines.
- Along with these warning signs, be sure to respond quickly when your dashboard service light turns on. Among other auto maintenance issues, this could indicate that your car’s electronic diagnostic system has spotted brake problems.
Even if you’ve noticed one or more of these red flags, you may be hesitant to take your car in for service. However, it’s crucial to remember that the cost of fixing these problems early on will be far lower than the cost of repairing them after they’ve had time to get worse. The team at Ramona Tire is fully trained in fixing front and rear brake systems. They have a thorough understanding of all the brake components in your vehicle. Let us help as soon as you think your brakes may be having problems!
Don’t Overpay for Brake Service
Every auto repair service comes with a price tag, but some are more expensive than others. The good news is that brake service in Southern California tends to be relatively inexpensive. However, you still need to pay to get your brakes fixed.
To reduce this financial burden for people in Southern California, Ramona Tire is happy to offer a selection of brake specials. Let’s have a look at how you can save when you visit our brake shop.
Brake Repair Coupons
The easiest way to save on getting your brakes fixed at Ramona Tire is by checking out our selection of online coupons ahead of time. If you see a coupon that could be helpful, be sure not to wait too long to use it—our coupon selection is constantly changing!
Auto Repair Financing
Even if these discounts aren’t enough to help you afford brake repairs, you won’t have to put this service off indefinitely. Instead, consider our array of financing options. You’ll be able to choose from Snap! Financing, a Goodyear credit card, and the official Ramona Tire credit card.
Schedule an Appointment at Our Brake Shop
When you need brake repair in Southern California, there’s only one place that rises above the competition, and that’s Ramona Tire & Service Centers. Schedule your appointment at Ramona Tire & Service Centers today! And if you’re also searching for other auto services, take a minute to see what else we have to offer.
Proudly Serving the Following Locations:
- Redlands
- Riverside-Woodcrest
- San Clemente
- Indio
- Temecula-Winchester
- Rancho Cucamonga
- Palm Desert
- Murrieta
- Riverside
- Mission Viejo-La Paz
- Moreno Valley
- Ontario, CA
- Temecula-Redhawk
- Mission Viejo-Santa Margarita
- San Jacinto
- Hemet
- Beaumont
Concierge Services
We understand how imperative it is that your vehicle is in proper working order. Because of this, we are introducing a new program designed with your security in mind.
The Ramona Delivery Program is a no-cost concierge service to help you eliminate unnecessary trips outside your home. We will pick up your car from your location (within three miles of Ramona) and return it to you free of charge after services have been completed.
Your peace of mind is as important to us as it is to you. We promise to continue to do everything in our power to eliminate uncertainties and make your life easier. We hope that the Ramona Delivery Program demonstrates our commitment to you, ensuring that you can safely be on the road when you need to be.
Ramona is Inland Empire’s top choice for tire services and repairs including tire rotations and wheel balancing. Our ASE-certified technicians use state-of-the-art tire equipment to efficiently and safely repair or replace your tires at a reasonable price. From road-force balancers, computerized alignment machines and procedures developed by the Rubber Manufacturers Association, there is no better place to get your tires serviced. We can help you with the following services:
90.0%
WOULD REFER FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO US
BRAD R Customer since 2020
Good group of guys there and was driven back to work after dropping it off
CHRISTINA J Customer since 2020
I asked to expedite oil change service in order to accommodate another appointment within the hour. They did everything to get me in and out quickly. Thoroughly inspected vehicle and found several additional recommended services from which we prioritized service and follow-up. I did not feel pressured and felt there was a strong customer care ethic in place. Clean and comfortable waiting room. I even think my car came back to me cleaner than when I left it. Very satisfied with service and would return and recommend to others.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are two major causes of a grinding noise coming from your brakes. First, if you’re hearing such a noise when pressing the brake pedal, it’s most likely caused by direct metal-on-metal contact between your rotor and part of the brake caliper. This is usually due to extreme wear of your brake pads or brake rotors.
Secondly, an object caught in the caliper can cause grinding noises. In this case, you will usually hear the noise consistently when the vehicle is moving. If this happens, bring your vehicle into one of our service centers as soon as possible to have it removed and eliminate the chance of more problems.
Either way, brake grinding is a serious issue that should be addressed immediately to prevent further, perhaps more costly damage. Catch any brake problems before you start hearing grinding by maintaining a regular maintenance schedule. A brake pad replacement is far less costly compared to replacing brake rotors and calipers.
The expert brake technicians at Ramona Tire & Service Centers can help you maintain your brakes and take care of that grinding noise. Schedule your appointment online now!
Check out our coupons page for any latest brake specials to help save you money.
The recommended interval for a brake fluid change varies depending on the type of vehicle. It may be every two to five years or whenever you have regularly scheduled fluid checks done. Your owner’s manual will provide the manufacturer’s recommendation for your specific vehicle.
There are several things that can indicate it may be time to have your brake fluid changed, including:
- Your ABS (anti-lock braking system) light comes on: In newer vehicles, this light will come on if your brake fluid is dirty or if the level is low.
- Your brake pedal feels different: If your brake fluid is dirty or is low, your brake pedal will feel different when pressed. It may be harder to press down or even feel “spongy.”
- Noises coming from your brakes: Dirty or low brake fluid can cause strange noises to come from your brakes.
- Brake pads not functioning as well: If your brake fluid is dirty or low it can quickly affect your brake pads. When you start to hear a squealing or grinding noise and your brake pads are not working as well as before, it’s usually an indicator that your brake fluid should be changed also.
- A burning chemical smell: A strong chemical smell after repeated hard braking is an indicator that your brakes are overheating due to low or dirty brake fluid. If this happens, immediately pull over and let the brakes cool or you risk overheating the brake fluid which can lead to brake failure.
Here at Ramona Tire & Service Centers, we recommend having your brake system checked every six months or 6,000 miles. This helps ensure your brake fluid is in peak condition and keeps your vehicle in a safe driving condition.
Schedule your appointment today for your free brake inspection with our ASE-certified technicians.
A variety of different components make up the braking system. These components include:
- Brake pads
- Brake shoes
- Brake calipers
- Brake rotors (and/or drums)
- Wheel cylinders
- Hardware (springs, adjusters, slides, caliper pins, caliper brackets)
- Brake lines and hoses
- Parking brake cables
- Master cylinder (contains the piston assembly and brake fluid)
During a brake inspection at any of our Ramona Tire & Service Centers locations, we thoroughly check every part of your braking system. This is not only to determine what brake services you may need but to help ensure the safe operation of your vehicle.
Check out our latest coupons for brake specials to help you save money on brake repair.
Ceramic brake pads, which are a blend of dense ceramic and copper fibers, are quieter when braking and also produce less dust and particles. Reducing the wear and tear on other components from the brake dust. They also provide reliable stopping power in normal driving conditions. But, ceramic pads are more expensive and do not absorb heat as well as other materials.
Alternatively, semi-metallic brake pads, made of a blend of metals and graphite lubricant, offer improved braking performance in a wider range of temperatures and conditions compared to ceramic. Especially in high-performance driving. They also withstand heat better than ceramic brake pads and can help the brake system cool down faster. But, semi-metallic pads tend to be noisier during braking and can put more strain on the brake rotors. They are less expensive compared to ceramic brake pads.
Our ASE-certified technicians at any of our Ramona Tire & Service Centers locations can help you determine which type of brake pads would be best for your vehicle and driving conditions. Schedule your appointment online today!
Keeping your brakes in good condition is one of the most important ways to ensure your car is safe to drive. Any type of brake issue—odd sounds or changes in the way your brakes feel—shouldn’t be ignored.
To prevent problems and ensure the best performance and safety of your brake system, it is essential to have your brakes inspected and serviced regularly. Take care of any needed brake repair as soon as possible so you can be confident in the ability to be able to stop your vehicle effectively.
Check out our coupons page for the latest brake specials to help you save money on brake repair at any Ramona Tire & Service Centers location. Schedule your appointment today!
There are several tips you can follow to help increase the life of your brake pads and rotors. These include:
- Let your vehicle help you stop: Stop-and-go traffic can wear down your brakes much faster, especially your brake pads. Allow yourself more time to stop so you can stop more gradually. Or even better, let the vehicle coast and decelerate so you do not have to rely on the brakes so heavily.
- Only use the brake pedal when you really need it: Try not to rely on the brake pedal too much. “Riding your brake” when you don’t need it will wear your brake pads down faster. It will also cause your brake rotors to warp due to excessive heat generated.
- Resist aggressive driving: Give yourself ample space to stop and avoid tailgating. Doing so will mean having to stop less often and less wear on your brakes. More distance gives you time to let your vehicle decelerate on its own, generating less heat and friction in your brake parts.
- Reduce the weight: The more weight you have in your vehicle, the more brake pressure you’ll need to bring it to a stop. Additional weight will also wear your brakes down more quickly. Remove any unnecessary weight from the back of your vehicle to help your brakes work more efficiently.
- Have your brake system inspected regularly: Driving with worn brake pads puts more stress on the rotors and other components. Help prevent more costly brake repair through regular brake inspection and brake pad replacement as necessary.
Work these tips into your daily driving style to greatly extend the life of your pads and brake rotors. This will reduce the need for brake repair more frequently, reducing the brake pads cost over the life of your vehicle.
Schedule your appointment today for your routine brake inspection and brake service at Ramona Tire & Service Centers.
