Brake Service & Repair
Recently, a customer from Brookhaven called us at 7 AM. Her brakes were making that awful grinding sound on her way to work. By the time she pulled into our Ashland Avenue shop, her brake pads were completely gone, and the rotors needed replacing. What could have been a $150 brake pad replacement turned into a $400 job.
This happens more than you'd think in our area. The stop-and-go traffic on MacDade Boulevard and the hills around Springfield wear down brake systems faster than people realize. Since 1987, we've helped thousands of Glenolden families avoid expensive brake repairs by catching problems early.
Why Your Brakes Fail in Delaware County
The short answer? Salt and hills. Every winter, PennDOT dumps tons of salt on our roads. That salt eats away at brake lines and causes corrosion. Add in the steep grades in places like Springfield and you've got a recipe for brake problems.
Most people don't know their brakes are failing until it's too late. Here's what we tell our neighbors: if your brake pedal feels spongy, you hear squeaking, or your car pulls to one side when braking, don't wait. Drive straight to our shop at Ashland Avenue or call 610-532-0777.
Brake Pad Replacement Services
Your brake pads are the first line of defense. We stock ceramic, semi-metallic, and organic brake pads for every make and model. Most of our customers choose ceramic pads because they last longer in our climate and produce less dust.
The process takes about an hour. We remove your wheels, inspect the rotors, replace the pads, and test everything twice. We also check your brake fluid levels and look for any signs of brake line damage.
Brake Rotor Repair and Replacement
When brake rotors get warped or worn down, you'll feel vibration when you brake. This happens a lot around here because people ride their brakes going down the hills on Route 320.
We can resurface rotors that aren't too far gone, which saves you money. But if they're beyond saving, we'll install new rotors that match your car's specifications. We only use rotors that meet or exceed factory standards.
Brake Line and Brake Fluid Service
Here's something most shops won't tell you: brake fluid goes bad. It absorbs moisture over time, which reduces its effectiveness and causes corrosion inside your brake system. We recommend changing brake fluid every two years.
Brake lines are another story. The salt on our roads causes brake lines to rust and develop leaks. A leaking brake line is dangerous - your pedal will go to the floor and you won't be able to stop. We inspect all brake lines during every service and replace any that show signs of wear.
Emergency Brake Repair
Car won't stop? Don't panic, but don't drive it either. Call us at 610-532-0777 and we'll walk you through what to do. If it's during business hours, we can usually squeeze you in for emergency brake repair.
Last month, a customer's brake line burst on MacDade Boulevard. He coasted into a parking lot and called us. We had him towed to our shop and fixed the problem the same day. Emergency brake repairs can't wait.
Brake System Inspection and Diagnostics
Not sure if you need brake work? Stop by for our free brake inspection. We'll check your brake pads, rotors, brake fluid, and brake lines. No appointment needed - just drive to our Ashland Avenue location and we'll take a look.
Our diagnostic equipment can spot problems before they become expensive. We'll show you exactly what's wrong and explain your options. No pressure, no surprise charges.
ABS Brake Service
Anti-lock brake systems are complicated. When your ABS light comes on, it could be a sensor, a pump, or something else entirely. We have the diagnostic tools and experience to figure out what's wrong with your ABS system.
Most ABS problems are sensor-related. Road salt corrodes the sensors, sending false signals to your car's computer. We clean or replace ABS sensors and reset the system so everything works properly.
Why Choose Briarcliffe Auto Service for Brake Repair
We've been fixing brakes in Glenolden since 1987. Three generations of families trust us with their cars. We know the local roads, the local weather, and what breaks first on different car models.
Our technicians are ASE-certified and we use quality parts that last. We stand behind our work with a warranty and we'll never sell you something you don't need. When a customer from Norwood brought her car in for brake work this summer, we could have easily sold her new rotors. Instead, we resurfaced the old ones and saved her $200.
Brake Service Areas We Cover
We serve brake repair customers throughout Delaware County including:
- Glenolden and Folcroft residents
- Brookhaven and Ridley neighborhoods
- Norwood and Prospect Park areas
- Swarthmore and Ridley Park communities
- Anyone traveling Route 320 or MacDade Boulevard
Schedule Your Brake Service Today
Don't wait until your brakes fail completely. Call Briarcliffe Auto Service at 610-532-0777 or stop by our Ashland Avenue location. We're open Monday through Saturday, and we'll get you back on the road safely.
Your brakes are too important to ignore. Whether you need a simple brake pad replacement or complete brake system repair, we've got the experience and equipment to do the job right the first time.
Brake Service and Repair in Glenolden PA - Briarcliffe Auto Service
Service Area
We serve all of
Delaware County, PA including:
- Briarcliffe
- Glenolden
- Collingdale
- Folcroft
- Springfield
- Norwood
- Sharon Hill
- Prospect Park
- Ridley Park
- Holmes
- Leedom
- Folsom
- Milmont Park
- Woodlyn
- Eddystone
- Essington
- Lester
- Aldan
- Morton
- Clifton Heights
- Lansdowne
- Secane
- Westbrook Park
- Drexel Hill
- Swarthmore
- Media
- Havertown
How do I know when my brakes need to be replaced?
Listen for squeaking or grinding sounds when you brake - that's your brake pads telling you they're worn down. You might also feel vibration in the steering wheel or brake pedal, notice your car pulling to one side, or see the brake pedal going closer to the floor than usual. If you smell something burning after heavy braking or see your brake warning light, bring your car in right away.
How long do brake pads typically last?
Most brake pads last between 25,000 to 70,000 miles, but it depends on how you drive and where you live. Around Glenolden, with stop-and-go traffic on MacDade Boulevard, we see brake pads wear out on the lower end of that range. City driving with lots of stopping wears pads faster than highway driving. We check your brake pad thickness during oil changes to catch problems early.
What's the difference between brake pad replacement and brake rotor replacement?
Think of brake pads like the erasers on pencils - they wear down from friction and need replacing regularly. Brake rotors are the metal discs the pads squeeze against to stop your car. When rotors get too thin, warped, or scored from worn brake pads, they need to be resurfaced or replaced too. Sometimes you just need pads, sometimes you need both.
How much does brake repair typically cost?
The cost depends on what needs fixing and what kind of car you drive. A basic brake pad replacement costs less than a full brake system overhaul with new rotors and brake lines. We always give you a written estimate before doing any work, and we'll show you exactly what needs fixing. Most brake jobs fall into a reasonable range that's much less expensive than dealing with an accident from failed brakes.
Can I drive with squeaking brakes or should I stop immediately?
Light squeaking usually means your brake pads are getting low but still have some life left. You can drive carefully to our shop, but don't wait weeks to get it checked. However, if you hear grinding metal-on-metal sounds, your pedal goes to the floor, or you smell burning, stop driving and call us at 610-532-0777. Those are signs of serious brake problems that could leave you unable to stop safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Exceptional Customer Service
Local Community Trust
ASE Certified Technicians
Complete Automotive Solutions
Why Customers Choose Briarcliffe Auto Service
REVIEWS
See what our customers have to say about Briarcliffe Auto Service
Vince C.
12/20/2024
I dropped my car off for brakes, and as usual they did a great job.
Helen E.
11/9/2024
They explained everything to me and answered all my questions.
Dwayne W.
10/28/2024
Great customer service and great workmanship on my vehicle.