Carson City Staff Impresses with Hard Work, Honesty

Just Brakes customer Jack had this to say about Just Brakes #750 in Carson City, Nev.:

“I took one of my vehicles in for service last month and watched as the work was done. I was very impressed with the work that I saw.

Everything that I would have checked and done if I were able to do the work myself, your staff did. I was very happy with the service I received, so the next day I took my wife’s car in for service. This time I went across the street to eat. When I got back to Just Brakes my keys were ready for me.

I thought, “Oh no, there is too much work to be done. Something must be wrong to have it finished that quick.”

However, it was quite different.

Your service representative Jonny Botkin gave me back my keys and said that the car didn’t need brakes and was good to go and that I didn’t owe him anything.

I am an 80 year old senior citizen and would like to commend Jonny and Mike Boardman for their hard work and HONESTY.

I would like you all to know that because of Jonny I will be a returning customer and will recommend Just Brakes to friends and family.”

A.J. “Jack” Smock

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Great Attitudes, Service Make Greg a Customer for Life

Greg said this about Just Brakes #79 Bell Road in Phoenix, Ariz.:

“After doing research on the internet, I decided to give Just Brakes a try. I walked in a skeptic and walked out a believer. I was blown away by the professional, caring and thorough workers that helped throughout the process of making the necessary repairs. I’ve had some terrible experiences before at auto shops, so this was and still is a refreshing experience. I will never take my car to another shop. Please give all the boys there my thanks. They deserve it! ”

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Joe had This to Say…

“I was told by my dealership (5 years service relationship) and another shop where I typically get alignments done that my brake must be replaced at the cost of $299 to $399. At the last moment, I remembered Just Brakes because of your radio ads.

Mike, the manager at Just Brakes Service Center #84 in Conroe, TX, took a look with his service tech, and then he just shook his head. He showed the brakes to me and explained that my front pads were still at 60% good, and the back pads were still at 80% good.

My brakes weren’t bad! The ONLY THINGS that were bad were my relationships with my service shops. From now on, due to the professionalism and honesty of Just Brakes, I will ONLY get my brakes done at Just Brakes. I will recommend you to all my friends, family and neighbors. After all $399, along with dishonest service, doesn’t compare to your Just Brakes $99.88 with a lifetime guarantee, backed up by honest service.”

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Laura and David had this to say…

…about Just Brakes Service Center #335 in Dunwoody, Ga.

I walked into Just Brakes to have my brakes checked as they were a bit sluggish.

I expected to pay the $99.88 for the general overall service. What I did not expect was the refreshing honesty and integrity I received.

After looking at my car, the service technician called me out to the car to show me that everything was in working order. I did not need the $99.88 brake service, but rather a $40 line and fluid flush.

I was floored.

I have never had a technician actually be honest with me like that. I had gone to a brake place the week before to have my brakes checked and they came back with a long line of things that, “just had to be done,” to my car’s brakes immediately. I decided to get a second opinion and I am so glad I did.

I applaud Just Brakes for having the ability to treat customers (especially female customers who are mostly weary of getting taken for a ride by repair shops) with dignity and respect. Your technician may have cost the company $50 in initial sales in this visit, but I can assure you that the trust Just Brakes has built with me will not be forgotten. I plan to come to Just Brakes for any problems I ever have in the future.

My fiancé just took his car into the same #335 location today for the same reasons, and again only had to have the fluid flushed and changed. He was also amazed that the technician was completely honest and did not try to rip him off.

You have two customers for life thanks to your honesty in dealing with us. I normally do not write companies about performance, but I feel the employees in this shop need to be commended for their professionalism and customer service.

Thanks and keep up the good work.

Laura and David

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Ed Explains – Brake Failure

Imagine you and your family have loaded down the car with luggage and snacks and are headed out of town for a quick trip to the nearest favorite vacation destination.

You safely get on the highway, and have just crested that BIG hill right outside of town. Your car gains speed going down the hill, you apply the brakes, but wait a minute… nothing happens! The pedal goes all the way to the floor and your car is gaining speed! You find yourself in a state of panic.

What do you do?!?

1. Most importantly try and remain calm. Panic can only make a bad situation worse.

2. Take your foot off the gas and turn off the cruise control.

3. Pump your brakes. Even if you have an ABS system pump your brakes and keep pumping, you may be able to build up enough pressure in the brake system to slow down or even stop.

4. Shift into a lower gear. If you have an automatic transmission, this is usually labeled as “1” on the gearshift. If you have a manual transmission, shift into the lowest gear possible at your current speed, and try to downshift once again when you have slowed down a bit.

5. Gently use the Parking Brake. Apply slow, steady and even pressure to the parking brake. If you apply too much force too quickly, you may lose control of your vehicle.

6. Keep your eyes on the road. Pay attention to what is in front of you and be on the lookout for safe places to try and stop or pull off the road.

7. Warn other drivers and pedestrians. Turn on your hazard lights and honk your horn to let others know that there is a problem and that they should proceed with caution and keep close attention to what your automobile is doing.

8. Slow the vehicle however you can.

8A. Use friction to slowdown – driving through gravel and dirt will slow you down considerably. But be careful as sudden terrain changes may cause you to lose control of your vehicle.

8B. Use terrain to your advantage – look for small inclines and hills to go up, also you can utilize runaway truck ramps in case of a brake failure emergency. Remember too though, gravity will also cause the vehicle to roll back down the hill or ramp, so be prepared to do some reverse driving.

9. Look for a safe spot to pull over (or to crash). Scan the road ahead for a safe area to pull off the road once you come to a complete stop. If you are unable to bring the car to a complete stop, look for open spaces that you can coast across without hitting anything.

Tips:

Several “brake failure” cases are brought about by an object getting stuck under the brake pedal, such as a toy or a soda bottle. Avoid this situation by keeping your car clean and free of debris, especially in the area around the driver’s seat.

• Brake failure is dangerous anyway, but it can be even worse if you’re driving aggressively or negligently. Always avoid tailgating vehicles in front of you, proceed with caution in bad weather conditions and mind the speed limit.

• Do not shift an automatic transmission into park when moving. The parking pawl that binds the transmission will not be able to support a moving car.

• Try steering your car so it goes uphill as gravity will slow your vehicle down. Make sure to find flat ground uphill to avoid causing your car to go backwards due to gravity.

• That red brake light comes on for a lot of reasons! It’s not just to tell you that you’re parking brake is engaged. Check every time you start the car that it flashes to make sure it’s working. Never use hand brakes to slow down the car when you are going at speeds faster than 40 MPH, this will make you lose control of your vehicle.

Warnings:

• Do not shut the engine off during a brake failure, as the majority of power steering systems are hydraulically driven and regulated by the engine vacuum. If you do panic and shut the engine off, hydraulic systems typically give you three more power assisted pumps. Turn the key to the second position (accessories) so the steering wheel doesn’t lock.

• Once you manage to stop the vehicle, do not attempt to drive it again until you are sure the problem is fixed.

You can avoid most instances of brake failure by regularly checking your brake fluid and changing it according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Just Brakes also recommends that you have your entire brake system inspected if you notice any change in the performance of your brakes. Don’t put off making necessary repairs or performing routine maintenance.

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Just Brakes customer Susan had this to say…

…about Just Brakes Service Center #609 Carrollwood in Tampa, Fla.

“Beau, Gary, Sam, Adam and the rest of the “crew” that worked on my car took time to SHOW me and EXPLAIN to me what was found, the ramifications, the fixes and the preventive measures to take. All in all, this experience was excellent and what ALL CAR REPAIR should be like. These gentlemen worked hard to satisfy and were more than courteous (dare I say friendly) and great professionals each day for EVERY customer that arrives at the Carrollwood #609 location. In fact, there were several other gentleman having issues which Beau handled with grace, knowledge and excellent outcomes for the three other vehicle owners. This should be a MODEL of what all vehicle service and JUST BRAKES locations are about. KEEP UP THE FABULOUS JOB GENTLEMEN – I WILL REFER AS MUCH BUSINESS AS I CAN TO YOU!”

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Just Brakes, Wins for Kids Assist Children’s Medical Center

As a proud supporter of the 2009-10 playoff-bound Dallas Mavericks and kids in our community, Just Brakes has teamed with 103.3 ESPN Radio and State Farm to donate to Children’s Medical Center Dallas as participants in the “Wins for Kids” program.

A check for $6,500 was presented to Children’s Medical Center during halftime of the Mavericks Wednesday night game, April 7, 2010, against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Children’s Medical Center is private, not-for-profit, and is one of the largest pediatric healthcare providers in the nation. As the only academic healthcare facility in North Texas dedicated exclusively to the comprehensive care of children from birth to age 18, Children’s provides patient care ranging from simple eye exams to specialized treatment in areas such as heart disease, hematology-oncology and cystic fibrosis.

Why do we do it?

Because at Just Brakes, We Really Do Care!

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Just Brakes customer Judith had this to say…

…about Just Brakes Service Center #714 Boulder in Las Vegas, NV:

“I had my auto checked out at the Russell Road center in Las Vegas, Nev. last week. I want you to know that Chevy and Josh were excellent; the best customer service I have received in a long time! Not only were they professional, they were friendly and ensured me that my problem could be resolved. Just as they said — it was resolved in a very timely and courteous manner. You are very fortunate to have them as employees! Thank you! ”

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Brake Terminology

From time to time we need to familiarize ourselves with brake terminology. Below are some terms that are beneficial to share with others when explaining brake problems they may be experiencing.

Brake Warning Signs:

Squeal
Brakes should operate with a minimal amount of noise. Some noise is normal but excessive squeal, screech, grinding, groaning, chatter, clatter or bang means your brakes need attention.

Low Pedal
Pedal nearly touches floorboard before brakes function, May activate your brake warning light. Problems may require a simple adjustment – or indicate something much more serious.

Hard Pedal
Requires extreme pressure to make brake function. Can indicate power brake trouble, restricted hydraulic lines, frozen calipers or wheel cylinders, or damaged brake linings.

Pull
Car pulls to one side when brakes are applied. May be under inflated tire, misadjusted brakes or bakes are in need of repair.

Grab
“Touchy” brakes that grab with the least pressure. May indicate a problem as simple as grease or oil-contaminated linings – or as serious as a loose or broken component ready to fail in an emergency.

Drag
Sticking brakes, hot wheels or engine that seems to have lost power. Brakes may be failing to release; the condition can reverse itself, leaving you with no brakes at all.

Vibration
Brake pedal, steering wheel or entire vehicle shakes, vibrates or pulsates when brake is applied. May indicate need to resurface disc brake rotors – or signal a serious problem of a loose component or faulty steering mechanism.

Mileage
Brakes are “out of sight, out of mind.” Remember yours at least once a year, even if none of the above symptoms are present. A 15-minute safety check by a competent technician can alert you to problems before they become dangerous.

Brake Warning Light
Emergency brake is on; or you have a serious drop in hydraulic pressure. Your brakes may be near total failure.

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Wylie Staff Makes Impact on Patrick

Just Brakes customer Patrick had this to say about his experience at Just Brakes #35 in Wylie, TX:

“You have very friendly employees. They explained the issue to me thoroughly and even found and explained another issue I was having. The cost to repair was very reasonable and I will definitely be taking my vehicles back when needed. Thanks!”