How Should New Brakes Feel?

2024-chevy-trax


Brake issues aren’t something that should be put off for later. Once you hear a squealing or grinding noise, schedule service for a brake replacement. However, once you replace your brakes, you may wonder, “How should new brakes feel?” After getting new brakes installed, it can take a few hundred miles before the brakes are properly settled in. Follow our brake guide at Duncan Chevrolet Co., Inc., and we’ll answer questions like, “What causes brake pedal pulsation?” and “Can worn brake pads cause a soft pedal?” Don’t hesitate to contact our service team if you have any questions. 

What Do New Brakes Feel Like?

While you shouldn’t have to apply more force on the brake pads to stop during your Amarillo commutes, new brakes can have a slightly “spongier” feel within the first couple hundred miles. New brakes can take some time to “seat” because the brake lining still needs to conform to the surface of the brake rotors. This is a normal function of your brakes, and “seating” occurs naturally while you drive steadily with careful braking. Try not to wait until the last second to apply your brakes or stomp on your brakes for the first hundred miles, or you may risk overheating or “glazing” the brake pads. 

If you decide a different type of brake is right for your %%di_make%% performance, you may notice a difference in brake feel as well. Changing from a carbon-Kevlar (non-asbestos organic) or ceramic composite pad has a softer feel than a harder semi-metallic pad.

Pulsating Brake Pedal While Braking

What causes brake pedal pulsation? Frequent hard braking or fast stops in traffic can lead to overheating that causes the warping of the rotors or brake discs. Once the brakes overheat, it can change the composition of the disc material and create discolored irregularities on the surface. The only option for stopping the pulsating brake pedal while braking is by scheduling a rotor replacement. Thankfully, our team in the Duncan Chevrolet Co., Inc. service center are experts in all things brakes. Schedule a service appointment today.

Signs You Need a Brake Replacement

It’s always good to pay attention to how your brakes feel during your Dalhart commutes. Here are some warning signs to look out for: 

  • Visible wear-and-tear
  • High-pitched screeching
  • Slow brake response
  • Brake pedal vibration
  • Heavy grinding sound
  • Pulling to one side

Can worn brake pads cause a soft pedal? If the pedal goes soft or goes further than normal, you may need a brake fluid flush, a brake fluid top-up, or a replacement of any worn or leaking parts. A soft pedal and any of the signs above let you know that it’s time to schedule a brake inspection as soon as possible. 

Service Your %%di_make%% at Duncan Chevrolet Co., Inc. 

Whether you need peace of mind for the odd noises coming from your vehicle or you need major brake service, trust the team at Duncan Chevrolet Co., Inc.. Our certified technicians have the tools, knowledge, and expertise to handle problems big and small. Save on your next visit with our available service specials. 

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Current Service Specials

Tire Price Match Guarantee

Provide us with a better eligible* price at the time of purchase and we'll match it. Find a better price within 30 days of the purchase, and we'll refund the difference.

Eligible Tire Brands: BFGoodrich, Bridgestone, Continental, Cooper, Firestone, General, Goodyear, Hankook, Kelly, Michelin, Pirelli, and Uniroyal.

*Ad, written estimate, or Internet quote for identical tire(s) from a competing tire retailer/installer located within 100 miles of the dealer required during guarantee period for price match. Tire match price must be determined prior to applying a tire manufacturer rebate, if any. At participating GM dealers only. Offer ends 12/31/2026.

Expires: 12/31/2026

Strut Rebate

Up to an $80 rebate* on the purchase and installation of four select struts

Eligible brands are GM Genuine Parts ($20 rebate per strut), ACDelco Gold ($15 rebate per strut) or ACDelco Silver ($10 rebate per strut).

*Offer ends 11/30/2026. Purchase and installation must be made at a participating U.S. GM Dealer. Limit four strut rebate claims per VIN. Rebate will be issued as a Visa® Gift Card. See mycertifiedservicerebates.com for details around how to claim rebate, which must be submitted by 12/31/2026.

Expires: 11/30/2026

Shock Rebate

Up to an $80 rebate* on the purchase and installation of four select shocks

Eligible brands are GM Genuine Parts ($20 rebate per shock), ACDelco Gold ($15 rebate per shock) or ACDelco Silver ($10 rebate per shock).

*Offer ends 11/30/2026. Purchase and installation must be made at a participating U.S. GM Dealer. Limit four shock rebate claims per VIN. Rebate will be issued as a Visa® Gift Card. See mycertifiedservicerebates.com for details around how to claim rebate, which must be submitted by 12/31/2026.

Expires: 11/30/2026

Brake Rotor Rebate

Up to a $60 rebate* on the purchase and installation of four select brake rotors

Eligible brands are GM Genuine Parts ($30 rebate per brake rotor set), ACDelco Gold ($20 rebate per brake rotor set) or ACDelco Silver ($15 rebate per brake rotor set).

*Offer ends 11/30/2026. Purchase and installation must be made at a participating U.S. GM Dealer. Limit two brake rotor rebate claims per VIN (one per axle). Rebate will be issued as a Visa® Gift Card. See mycertifiedservicerebates.com for details around how to claim rebate, which must be submitted by 12/31/2026.

Expires: 11/30/2026

Tire Pressure Monitor Sensor Rebate

Up to a $40 rebate* on the purchase and installation of four select tire pressure monitor sensors

Eligible brands are GM Genuine Parts or ACDelco Original Equipment ($10 rebate per sensor).

*Offer ends 11/30/2026. Purchase and installation must be made at a participating U.S. GM Dealer. Limit four tire pressure monitor sensor rebate claims per VIN. Rebate will be issued as a Visa® Gift Card. See mycertifiedservicerebates.com for details around how to claim rebate, which must be submitted by 12/31/2026.

Expires: 11/30/2026

Brake Pad Rebate

Up to a $60 rebate* on the purchase and installation of select front and rear brake pads

Eligible brands are GM Genuine Parts ($30 rebate per brake pad set), ACDelco Gold ($20 rebate per brake pad set) or ACDelco Silver ($15 rebate per brake pad set).

*Offer ends 11/30/2026. Purchase and installation must be made at a participating U.S. GM Dealer. Limit two brake pad rebate claims per VIN (one per axle). Rebate will be issued as a Visa® Gift Card. See mycertifiedservicerebates.com for details around how to claim rebate, which must be submitted by 12/31/2026.

Expires: 11/30/2026

Tire Offer

Buy 3, get 1 for $1 on select tires*

*Offer ends 11/30/2026. See participating GM Dealerships for details and list of tire brands. Purchase and installation must be made at a participating U.S. GM Dealer. Highest or equal value tire will be $1. Maximum consumer purchase price of $450 per tire. Additional taxes and fees may apply. Offer subject to availability and may change at any time. Limit one offer per VIN. No other tire offers apply. DEALER INSTRUCTIONS: For each valid tire offer redeemed at your dealership 10/1/2026-11/30/2026, claims for reimbursement can be submitted via the GM Tire Central website.

Expires: 11/30/2026

6-Quart ACDelco GM OE dexos®1 Full Synthetic Oil Change on most vehicles*

$69.95

*Tax and more than 6 quarts of oil extra. Excludes diesel engines and Corvettes. See owner's manual for specific oil grades recommended by vehicle model.

Expires: 01/08/2027

8-Quart ACDelco GM OE dexos®1 Full Synthetic Oil Change on most vehicles*

$79.95

*Tax and more than 8 quarts of oil extra. 8-quart dexos®R oil change may be required on 2021-2024 6.2L engines, please check with your dealership. Excludes diesel engines and Corvettes. See owner's manual for specific oil grades recommended by vehicle model.

Expires: 01/08/2027

GM Genuine Parts Front Brake Rotors installed on most cars & small SUVs*

24 Months/Unlimited Mile Warranty**

$400.00

*Tax extra. Excludes coated rotors, enhanced-performance rotors, medium-duty trucks, and other select vehicles. **Please see your Dealer to learn more about the warranty part details and qualifications.

Expires: 01/08/2027

GM Genuine Parts Front Brake Rotors installed on most trucks and full-size SUVs*

24 Months/Unlimited Mile Warranty**

$400.00

*Tax extra. Excludes coated rotors, enhanced-performance rotors, medium-duty trucks, and other select vehicles. **Please see your Dealer to learn more about the warranty part details and qualifications.

Expires: 01/08/2027

Most ACDelco Gold 42-Mo Batteries Installed*

42-month free-replacement limited warranty**

$232.50

*Tax extra. Installation extra on some vehicles. **Please see your Dealer to learn more about exclusions and the warranty part details and qualifications.

Expires: 01/08/2027

Most ACDelco GM Original Equipment Cabin Air Filters Installed*

$49.95

*Tax extra. Installation extra on some vehicles.

Expires: 01/08/2027

Most ACDelco GM Original Equipment Wiper Blades (per pair) Installed*

$65.00

*Tax extra. Installation extra on some vehicles.

Expires: 01/08/2027

Most ACDelco Gold 36-Mo AGM Batteries Installed*

36-month free-replacement limited warranty**

$350.00

*Tax extra. Installation extra on some vehicles. **Please see your Dealer to learn more about exclusions and the warranty part details and qualifications.

Expires: 01/08/2027

Most ACDelco GM Original Equipment Engine Air Filters Installed*

$80.00

*Tax extra. Installation extra on some vehicles.

Expires: 01/08/2027

Battery Test and Inspection

FREE

Inspect point or terminals for leaking or corrosion. Inspect cables for damage or corrosion. Inspect battery case for damage (cracks or holes in bottom). Ensure battery condition for proper mounting with hold-down assembly. Plus tax, if applicable. Present offer at time of service.

Contact dealer for addition terms and conditions.

Expires: 01/08/2027
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Duncan Chevrolet Co., Inc. 36.3312743, -102.0723666.