News Summary
A 52-year-old woman from New Braunfels, Texas, faced alarming brake issues after a service at Brake Check. After spending $391, her vehicle began shaking while braking, leading her to seek help from a dealership where it was discovered that the brake pads were installed incorrectly. After challenging her initial service provider, she eventually received a refund, highlighting the importance of safety in auto repairs.
Brake Trouble Leaves New Braunfels Woman Upset and Out of Pocket
In the vibrant town of New Braunfels, Texas, a recent experience at a local auto service center has left a 52-year-old woman feeling not just distressed but also out of pocket. The situation unfolded when Rona Cardwell brought her car to Brake Check for some routine maintenance on September 13.
Unfortunate Repairs
Cardwell walked into the shop expecting smooth driving ahead after shelling out a hefty $391 for new brake pads, rotors, and a brake fluid flush. However, her hope was short-lived. Almost immediately after the service, she noticed her vehicle began to shake while braking, a sign that typically indicates something is amiss.
Thinking it might be a minor issue, she returned to Brake Check just two days later, only to be told by staff that everything looked fine and nothing else needed fixing. Considering she had to travel soon after, Cardwell didn’t drive her car again for two weeks. Unfortunately, when she finally got back behind the wheel, the shaking escalated, and she found herself facing a dangerous situation.
A Close Call
As the braking problem worsened, Cardwell experienced moments of sheer panic. She revealed feeling uneasy as she struggled to stop her vehicle properly; in one instance, she had to swerve off the road to avoid potential accidents. Concerned for both her safety and that of others on the road, she made the decision to take her car to the Mercedes-Benz dealership in Boerne, where she originally bought it.
A Shocking Discovery
The technicians at the dealership quickly identified the issue: the front brake pads had been installed incorrectly and were swapped from their proper positions. Their assessment indicated that the car was pulling hard to the right when braking, a dangerous condition that needed immediate attention. The fix would set Cardwell back over $500 as the improperly installed brake pads needed replacement with factory original equipment.
Seeking Solutions
Frustrated with her experience at Brake Check, Cardwell sought a refund for the initial service and presented the dealership’s repair documentation to the manager at the auto service center. Despite her efforts, she found herself waiting an entire month for the refund to process with no success.
Turning to Community Support
At this point, Cardwell decided to reach out for assistance from local community resources. This led to a heightened awareness of her situation, prompting Brake Check to take immediate action when they learned about her case. The Vice President of Brake Check reached out to Cardwell the very next day, promising a swift resolution.
A Happy Ending
A few days later, Cardwell received her refund, covering the initial service charge and her additional repair costs, much to her relief. The CEO of Brake Check publicly apologized for the oversight, emphasizing that this incident would contribute to improvements in their internal processes to prevent similar situations in the future.
Grateful for Rapid Help
In the end, Cardwell expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the prompt resolution, stating how relieved she felt after the support received. Her experience serves as a cautionary tale for drivers everywhere – always ensure your car repair needs are met with utmost care, as safety should always be the top priority on the road.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- KXAN News
- Wikipedia: Vehicle Inspection
- Fox San Antonio
- Google Search: Road Rage San Antonio
- KENS 5 News
- Google Scholar: Brake Repair Issues
- Community Impact
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Buda Business Updates
- Built In Austin
- Google News: NuBrakes Fundraising
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
