Your Brake Questions Answered
Think fast. Stop faster.
Our Brake Technicians & Process
How do Tires Plus technicians inspect brakes?
We take just as much pride in our tire expertise as we do in the brake services we provide — and both of them play a role in your ability to stop with ease and confidence.
Ask for our Free Brake Inspection and our brake techs will uncover any braking issues by examining the various brake components on your ride. We have more than 1,500 ASE certified brake technicians at locations throughout the country. Rest easy knowing each Tires Plus store has knowledgeable, trained brake technicians handling all your braking needs.
What do your ASE certified brake technicians have to do to become Brake Specialist certified?
In order to take the ASE brake certification exam — or any ASE exam for that matter — each technician must have completed the required two years of automotive experience necessary just to qualify for any ASE certification test.
The ASE offers more than 50 different exams in addition to the Brake Specialist exam. It’s the industry standard, and the most accurate way to determine the capability and know–how of each technician. (These aren’t just handed out after a half–day seminar.) In fact, each certification requires retesting every five years in order to remain fully ASE certified.
What is MAP?
MAP is short for Motorist Assurance Program and is a consumer outreach program. It was created by the Automotive Maintenance and Repair Association, Inc. (AMRA) to provide consumers with consistent and honest information regarding their vehicle and parts — no matter where they have it serviced. From the dealers to the car manufacturers to the trusted technicians like us, we all have one big thing in common — MAP standards.
Since 1994, MAP has overseen a set of universal guidelines that are followed by all industry leading retailers, suppliers, independent repair facilities and vehicle manufacturers. Our goal — and the goal of every manufacturer we service — is to help consumers better understand their vehicles by following the trusted and consistent recommendations the MAP guidelines prescribe. This includes vehicle specific parts and manufacturer information.
The more you know your vehicle, the better you can maintain it and keep it running at peak performance.
We take pride in the quality of service we provide. MAP makes sure that every Tires Plus is providing information to all our customers for consistent service all across the country. MAP is made possible with the help of government and state officials and is regularly updated to reflect new developments in the automotive industry.
What do the Red, Yellow and Green color codes mean on the inspection form?
The color code system on our vehicle inspection form was created in 1994, alongside the start of the Motorist Assurance Program (MAP). The color code system provides us — and consumers — with a reliable, trusted way to recommend parts and services for all makes and model vehicles.
At Tires Plus, we not only uphold the MAP industry standards — we also have our own set of quality standards to ensure you receive the same great service at any of our store locations across the country.
The color code is Red, Yellow and Green, so we can precisely classify the wear on your parts:
Red: Red means "stop" — that the part must be repaired or replaced. Repairs can involve alignment issues that need adjustment. More often than not, a Red mark lets you know that a particular vehicle part is no longer performing properly or no longer meets the manufacturer design specs.
In order for your car to perform up to drivable standards, the underperforming part will need to be replaced. If the part is missing all together, we’ll also check the red box and let you know the cost of having it replaced.
Yellow: When you have a part in the Yellow zone, the particular part is still functioning, but not for too much longer. We’ll usually recommend having this part repaired or replaced before it reaches the red zone.
When a part is in the yellow zone, we’ll also check with your vehicle manufacturer’s recommended action based on the original equipment specs. Your technician will also know what to do with the particular part in relation to your make and model vehicle.
Green: As always, Green means Go! If you see a green checkmark, the inspected part is good to go. No need to replace it or change anything, you can keep on cruising. You don’t need to do anything — we’ll see you at your next scheduled check–up!
On-Time Guarantee
Your time is valuable. So we guarantee your car will be ready when we say it will, or we’ll give you 10% OFF your next purchase.*