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

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

Brake Rotor Rebate

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

Eligible brands are ACDelco OE or GM Genuine Parts ($30 rebate per brake rotor set).

*Offer ends 8/31/2026. Limit two sets of brake rotor rebates per VIN (one per axle). Purchase and installation must be made at a participating U.S. GM dealer. Rebate will be issued as a Visa® Gift Card. See mycertifiedservicerebates.com for details and rebate form, which must be submitted by 9/30/2026.

Expires: 08/31/2026

Brake Pad Rebate

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

Eligible brands are ACDelco OE or GM Genuine Parts ($30 rebate per brake pad set).

*Offer ends 8/31/2026. Limit two sets of brake pad rebates per VIN (one per axle). Purchase and installation must be made at a participating U.S. GM dealer. Rebate will be issued as a Visa® Gift Card. See mycertifiedservicerebates.com for details and rebate form, which must be submitted by 9/30/2026.

Expires: 08/31/2026

Engine Air Filter Rebate

Up to a $15 rebate* on the purchase and installation of one select engine air filter

Eligible brands are ACDelco Original Equipment ($15 rebate) or ACDelco Gold ($10 rebate).

*Offer ends 8/31/2026. Limit one rebate per VIN. Purchase and installation must be made at a participating U.S. GM dealer. Rebate will be issued as a Visa® Gift Card. See mycertifiedservicerebates.com for details and rebate form, which must be submitted by 9/30/2026.

Expires: 08/31/2026

Cabin Air Filter Rebate

Up to a $15 rebate* on the purchase and installation of one select cabin air filter

Eligible brands are ACDelco Original Equipment ($15 rebate) or ACDelco Gold ($10 rebate).

*Offer ends 8/31/2026. Limit one rebate per VIN. Purchase and installation must be made at a participating U.S. GM dealer. Rebate will be issued as a Visa® Gift Card. See mycertifiedservicerebates.com for details and rebate form, which must be submitted by 9/30/2026.

Expires: 08/31/2026

Battery Rebate

Up to a $30 rebate* on the purchase of one select ACDelco Battery

Eligible brands are ACDelco Gold ($30 rebate) or ACDelco Silver ($15 rebate).

*Offer ends 8/31/2026. Limit one rebate per VIN. Purchase and installation must be made at a participating U.S. GM dealer. Rebate will be issued as a Visa® Gift Card. See mycertifiedservicerebates.com for details and rebate form, which must be submitted by 9/30/2026.

Expires: 08/31/2026

Wiper Blade Rebate

Up to a $30 rebate* on the purchase of three select ACDelco Wiper Blades

Eligible brands are ACDelco Original Equipment ($10 rebate per wiper blade), ACDelco Gold ($7.50 rebate per wiper blade) or ACDelco Silver ($5 rebate per wiper blade).

*Offer ends 8/31/2026. Limit three rebates per VIN. Purchase must be made at a participating U.S. GM dealer. Rebate will be issued as a Visa® Gift Card. See mycertifiedservicerebates.com for details and rebate form, which must be submitted by 9/30/2026.

Expires: 08/31/2026

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: 08/29/2026

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: 08/29/2026

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: 08/29/2026

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: 08/29/2026

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: 08/29/2026

Most ACDelco GM Original Equipment Cabin Air Filters Installed*

$49.95

*Tax extra. Installation extra on some vehicles.

Expires: 08/29/2026

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

$65.00

*Tax extra. Installation extra on some vehicles.

Expires: 08/29/2026

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: 08/29/2026

Most ACDelco GM Original Equipment Engine Air Filters Installed*

$80.00

*Tax extra. Installation extra on some vehicles.

Expires: 08/29/2026

$200 Rebate*

on the purchase and installation of select GM Genuine Parts Engines, Transmissions, and Transfer Cases

*Rebate available to retail customers with a U.S. mailing address only. Purchase and installation must be at a participating U.S. GM Dealership. Transmissions exclude Saab, Chevrolet Medium-/Heavy-Duty Trucks, and GMC Medium-/Heavy-Duty Trucks. Rebate offer not valid with other offers. Limit one rebate per service performed per date and vehicle. Allow 6 to 8 weeks from promotion end date for delivery of Visa® Prepaid Card. See mycertifiedservicerebates.com for details and rebate form. GM has the right to alter or cancel promotions. Rebate must be submitted by 10/31/2026. Offer ends 9/30/2026.

Expires: 09/30/2026

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: 08/29/2026

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Duncan Chevrolet Co., Inc. 36.3312743, -102.0723666.