Why is my dashboard brake light on?

A lit brake light on your dashboard could signify a need for routine maintenance or an issue with the brakes. Visit Tim's South Side Auto for a quick diagnostic and expert resolution.

What percent of brake pad life is 3mm?

New brake pads are typically 8 to 12 mm thick. At 3 mm, your pads are near the end of their useful life, having covered about 40,000 miles. It's wise to plan a replacement soon to maintain braking efficiency.

How do I know if my car is leaking brake fluid?

Reduced braking responsiveness can indicate a brake fluid leak, a critical safety issue. We urge you to have your car inspected immediately if you suspect a leak.

Why is my car pulling to one side when I am braking?

This pulling can be due to a faulty brake hose or caliper, causing uneven brake application. It's essential to get this checked at Tim's South Side Auto immediately.

What are the 3 types of brake pads?

The three primary types of brake pads used are non-asbestos organic, ceramic, and semi-metallic. Each type suits different driving needs and vehicle types.

What is the 30-30-30 rule for brakes?

This method involves 30 gentle stops from 30 mph with 30 seconds of cooling between each. This braking pattern helps properly bed in new brake pads.

TIM'S SOUTH SIDE AUTO > Top Level Auto Repair & Maintenance Services > BRAKES

262-723-7784 | 415 Getzen St Elkhorn, WI 53121

BRAKES & BRAKE REPAIR

Securing Dependable Brake Performance

Your vehicle's brakes are one of its most critical safety features, and maintaining them is essential for your safety and the safety of others on the road. At Tim's South Side Auto in Elkhorn, we specialize in professional brake repair services to keep your car stopping safely and efficiently. Whether you're hearing squealing, noticing reduced braking power, or experiencing a spongy brake pedal, our experienced technicians are here to diagnose and resolve the issue promptly.

Comprehensive Brake Repair Services

We provide a full range of brake repair services to ensure your vehicle performs at its best. Our services include:

Anti-Lock Brake System
The Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) ensures your wheels keep rotating during braking, preventing skidding and providing better control. If your ABS light illuminates, visit Tim's South Side Auto for a diagnosis and professional repair.

Brake Fluid Flushes
Brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air over time, diminishing brake effectiveness and becoming corrosive, potentially harming the system. Regular brake fluid flushes are vital to ensure fresh fluid usage in your vehicle. Consult our technicians at Tim's South Side Auto to determine the right time for a brake fluid flush.

Brake Hoses
A brake hose carries pressurized brake fluid from the master cylinder to the brakes. A damaged hose can lead to delayed or weak braking, and a leak may result in brake failure. While the need for a replacement brake hose isn't common, any signs of cracking or wear should prompt immediate replacement.

Brake Pad & Shoe Replacement
Squealing brakes often indicate brake pad issues. When brake pads deteriorate completely, a harsh metal-on-metal grinding noise occurs during braking, indicating potential rotor or drum damage. Although experienced individuals may attempt home repairs, if you have brake concerns, it's best to consult an auto repair professional promptly.

Caliper Replacement
The brake caliper houses brake pads and clamps around the rotor to apply pressure during braking. Caliper problems can cause uneven braking, leading to skidding during braking and loss of control in adverse weather conditions. Contact Tim's South Side Auto in Elkhorn at your earliest convenience for assistance.

Resurface Rotors
In a disc brake system, rotors attach to your vehicle's wheels. The friction with brake pads over time creates grooves and cracks. The process of resurfacing restores rotors to a "like-new" condition, reducing noise and wobbling. At Tim's South Side Auto, we inspect your rotors thoroughly and recommend the best course of action.

Serving Elkhorn and Surrounding Areas

At Tim's South Side Auto, we proudly serve drivers in Elkhorn and nearby communities with trusted brake repair services. Whether you need routine maintenance or emergency repairs, we're here to keep your vehicle safe and road-ready.

Brake FAQs

Learn about some of the common questions you may have:

Why are my brakes making a grinding noise?

Grinding noises often mean that your brake system is critically worn and requires immediate attention. This sound typically indicates that the brake pads have worn through.

Why are my brakes squeaking?

Squeaking brakes might be caused by something as minor as road debris or as urgent as worn-out pads. It's a sign to check your brakes before the condition worsens.

Why are my brakes vibrating?

Vibrations during braking usually point to uneven rotor surfaces. Our team at Tim's South Side Auto can inspect and resurface your vehicle's rotors to eliminate this issue.

Why are my brakes making a burning smell?

A burning smell from your brakes suggests they're overheating. Stop driving and check if your parking brake is engaged. If smoke is visible, it could be due to a stuck caliper.

What are the 3 signs that brake pads are worn?

Common indicators of worn brake pads include squeaking, grinding noises, or the brake warning light on your dashboard.

To learn more about our Brake services, call us at 262-723-7784 or request a quote by clicking below:

Request Quote

Discover More About Brake Repair Services At Tim's South Side Auto in Elkhorn

Alignment Services
Customer Service
Tire Repair Services

Testimonials

Excellent auto shop. Does great work, on time at a fair price. Very honest and upfront. Saved me close to 50% off a dealership price for an air conditioner compressor replacement as well as a water pump replacement on another vehicle. Now working on my classic car. I would not consider another shop in the area. Tim, Jon, and Britany are a small team but all I need for my auto repair needs.

John D.
Tim has repaired my granddaughter's car a couple times. I agree he is honest and reasonable in price. I would highly recommend Tim.

Larry O.
I took my 2000 Honda Insight in for what I believed was a faulty switch. It was something far less expensive. If this was not a honest shop they could have taken advantage of me but they are honest and fixed my car extremely fast. I do my own brakes, oil changes, water pumps etc. So I haven't taken my car to a shop in over 10 years and had no idea where to go. So I took a chance on Tim's South Side Auto and wasn't disappointed. In the future when I have a problem above my pay grade I will go to Tim's again.

Jim M.
Tim just rocks! So difficult to find a trusted mechanic, and Tim's Repair is not out to repair things just for the money. They really care and are willing to do whats best for you, the customer. I am so thankful for this repair shop. Just had a clutch done, and he went the extra mile to complete it.

John V.
Tim Rachel, and the WHOLE CREW are INCREDIBLE!!! Honestly, I have nothing but wonderful things to say!!! HONEST PRICES!!! Work to get everything done quickly and efficiently around my schedule each and every time. Always have smiles no matter what's going on. Thank you for always helping me you guys!! Wouldn't take my (constantly broken down) SUV anywhere else!!!

Meghan M.
Tim is honest and trustworthy. Does the needed work and explains it so the every day man can understand. I only take mind and my families cars to Tim's.

Jack H.
Great customer service! Reasonable prices!

Jo J.
Honest, fair and reliable repairs. Everything you hope for in a repair shop. Tim is a good guy and listens. As a professional mechanic myself, I appreciate his professionalism.

Chad M.
Done on time, great pricing no surprises. Very professional!

Vic Z.
Excellent service. Fair pricing. Quality work. Nice people. Reminds me of what Tasch was before Kunes took it over! Great place to have your auto work done.

Bill O.
Friendly, knowledgeable. Fast service, reasonable rates.

Michael M.
I needed a last minute oil change for my diesel truck before taking a trip out of state and they fit me in, and for a great price. Extremely happy and I will be back.

Mike P.
Tim, the owner is the best along with his hired help. Always happy with the work done on my vehicles.

Joyce M.
Great to work with. Flexible, fair and quality work!

Adams Electric
Tim really knows his stuff. He found and repaired a problem no one else could find... and at a very reasonable price! If you are looking for a reputable and honest company... you need go no further than Tim's South Side Auto. Simply excellent!

Southside J.
Knowledgeable Honest and Fast! We take all of our vehicles to Tim. We trust this shop totally.

Mike O.
Tim just rocks! So difficult to find a trusted mechanic, and Tim's Repair is not out to repair things just for the money. They really care and are willing to do whats best for you, the customer. I am so thankful for this repair shop. Just had a clutch done, and he went the extra mile to complete it.

Graphic Design
This is a great place to go. Tim will do what he can to keep costs down. As a single woman I trust taking my vehicle there.

Cheryl G.
Always has been honest and I would refer anyone there.

DJ M.
My daughter left for Minneapolis on a Sunday night when she encountered car troubles. Because we were taking our son to UW-RF registration Monday night, we gave her our vehicle. Tim got her vehicle in, diagnosed and repaired the vehicle so we could make the car swap on Monday and keep our schedule. YOU ARE A LIFE SAVER TIM!

Kris W.
Always Helpful

Michael L.
Tim does great work and offers outstanding customer service. He has accommodated me on short notice several times now. Highly recommend.

Richard B.
Tim's South Side Auto is is always accommodating and fixes what needs to be fixed, nothing more. Reasonably priced and done right the first time.

Jason K.
The best place in town to get your car repaired

Robert P.
Best place I know of to have your vehicle repaired.

Lora B.
I gave Tim a try after the previous owner sold. I said I needed front & rear brakes plus brake lines. He told called me and said that wasn't needed. Only a coupling and front brakes. Later my driveshaft cracked and he got it fixed before the weekend and worked with me supplying informaction to the insurance company to have a settlement in my favor. I have sent 3 people there without one bad experience.

Mark R.
I have been going to Tim since before he was even at South Side so that tells you I've been trusting him for a while. He always does the little things that make a difference like checking my tire depth and max pressure on the door.

Marvin E.
Tim's straightforward, he's not expensive, his price is right, he tells me what needs to be fixed and gets it taken care of. He doesn't screw me with things that I don't need.

Gary B.
I can really trust Tim and that's most important. He notices everything and looks for things that even myself (a retired mechanic of 12 years) wouldn't think of. He does an excellent job.

Patrick T.
Does amazing work for a great price. I have always and will continue to take my vehicles to Tim.

Alexander M.
he quality of service I have received from Tim has been excellent. I know he's honest and would never cheat his customers.

Julian R.
My husband is not well so Tim has helped me out because I'm clueless about cars but he has been very honest and has helped me out a great deal. I have recommended him often.

Michaela W.