Brake and Alignment Services in Traverse City, MI

Comprehensive Brake Repair in Traverse City

When it comes to road safety, it all starts with stopping. Brakes are complex, high-wear components and should be a part of your regular vehicle maintenance. Whether you’re experiencing poor braking performance, squeaks and sounds, or just looking to stay ahead of your brake replacement schedule, Garfield Auto in Traverse City has you covered.

Traverse City’s Brake and Alignment Experts

We’re your comprehensive brake service shop. No matter the age of your vehicle, make or model, trust Garfield Auto to provide quality brake services like:

Brake Inspections – We’ll identify any issues with your brakes and provide recommendations for replacement or repairs as needed.

Brake Repair – When you notice vibrations, sounds, low pressure in the hydraulic line, or other signs of poor performance, we’ll make the fix.

Brake Replacement – If your brake pads, calipers, or other braking components are worn, we’ll let you know what parts need to be replaced and get you back on the road quickly with brake pad and brake shoe replacement.

Brake Hose Repair – Issues with hydraulic lines can cause spongy, unresponsive braking. We can replace your hose to improve performance and safety.

Brake Fluid Flush – Trapped air or deteriorated fluid can cause poor braking feel and performance. A brake fluid flush is a quick and easy fix!

For all things brakes, Traverse City trusts Garfield Automotive!

Common Signs of Worn-Out Brakes, Pads, and Calipers

Even well-maintained vehicles experience braking problems. Some of the most common symptoms of braking system issues include:

Squeaky brakes – Automotive brakes are designed to function silently. When you hear squeaks, it is often the result of a thin piece of metal behind your brake pads, which makes a squeaking sound when the brakes are applied. Schedule your appointment with Garfield Auto as soon as you hear this sound.

Thin brake pads - Car brake pads wear down over several thousand miles. Driving consistently in wet, snowy, or gritty conditions can reduce the life of your brakes. If your brake pads are worn down to ¼ of an inch in thickness, it’s time to replace your brake pads.

Braking vibration or uneven feel – While it isn’t common, brake rotors can bend or flex due to heat or impact. This can cause an uneven feel while braking that drivers often describe as a vibration.

The Best Place for Brake Repair in Traverse City 

For over 40 years, Garfield Auto has provided Traverse City families with quality and reliable automotive repair services. With a friendly, knowledgeable staff and five-star standards, you can trust Jeff and the technicians to give you honest input on your vehicle and repairs. We take pride in keeping Northern Michigan on the road! Trust the most experienced brake shop in Traverse City and schedule your appointment today!

Auto Brake FAQs

What does my car shake when I brake?

In most cases, warped brake rotors are the root cause of vibration or a ‘thumping’ feel when braking. Warped rotors are often caused by the heat associated with frequent and prolonged brake use, such as braking heavily while driving down a mountain.

How long do car brakes last?

We recommend getting your brakes replaced every 10,000 to 20,000 miles. You may need to have your brakes inspected more often if you drive in city centers or on dirt roads frequently. Brake rotors should be replaced every 50,000 to 70,000 miles.

We inspect brake pad thickness as a part of our regularly scheduled maintenance.

How much do car brakes cost?

We’ll provide a personalized estimate for your brake repair or replacement, based on the cost of the necessary parts.