Brake Repair Costs - What You Should Expect

Maintaining your brake system properly is one of the more vital parts of auto care. Without a solid system, your vehicle will be unable to stop, likely resulting in an accident of some nature. Luckily, the price associated with regular system maintenance is pretty reasonable, and likely a bit lower than you might have expected. By making a point to keep a close eye on the behavior of your car or truck, you will be doing your part to avoid issues with your system before they end up costing more. In this article, we will walk you through the basic costs associated with brake repair. 

Early Detection
When operating your motor vehicle, take a minute once a week or two to turn the radio down and listen to the sounds coming from the car. If you notice any grinding when you press the brake pedal, you are likely due for a pad replacement. When you notice this, it’s important to act quickly in order to avoid more costly problems down the road. Putting off a replacement such as this can even work to damage other parts of the vehicle, including the rotors or the fluid lines. 

Replacement
If the above situation sounds like something you’re currently familiar with, you’re likely looking at a pad replacement. If you’re the type of owner who is confident in their auto car abilities, you can easily do this task on your own. Take a trip to your corner auto parts store and ask the clerk for a set of pads for your car or truck. Be sure to replace pads in pairs. This will allow them to wear down evenly. 

Rotor Replacement
If you’ve been unable to replace your pads quickly, you may be due for a rotor replacement. This parts generally run between $30-$60 per wheel. Ask with pad replacements, this task can be done at home as well, though a bit more work will be required. 


Brake Repair By Professionals
If a DIY repair isn’t for you, you can always bring it by your local service center. In this case, you should expect to pay between $150 - $1,000 depending on the work that is being performed. The price will also depend on the condition of the brake lines, rotors and pads. If you’re unsure of what you’re doing or afraid you might mess up, this is a sure-fire way to get the job done right. Make sure to at least act as if you have repair experience when speaking with the service representative. This will help you avoid the possibility of being overcharged. 

Warnings
Your brake system is vital to your safety when operating a motor vehicle. If you are unsure of your car care abilities, make certain to have the job completed by an authorized repair shop. Saving a few bucks on the work is never worth risking your safety or the lives of other motorists on the road.