Brake Repair: Decipher a Deal from a Scam

Nov 30
08:44

2010

Andrew Stratton

Andrew Stratton

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A “complete brake repair” is a misnomer. In order for this to be done, your entire car would need to be dismantled and all the parts replaced and retrofitted back to new car lot no mileage condition. This service does not exist, and therefore the advertisement for it can mean varying things among places of business.

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A “complete brake repair” is a misnomer. In order for this to be done,Brake Repair: Decipher a Deal from a Scam Articles your entire car would need to be dismantled and all the parts replaced and/or retrofitted back to new car lot no mileage condition. This service does not exist, and therefore the advertisement for it can mean varying things among places of business. For some, the word complete may indicate that all four wheels are checked and repaired for an advertised price rather than just two wheels. It may also indicate that the diagnostic, parts and labor are all quoted within that price. It could mean a lot of things; it could mean nothing; know what you are paying for by clarifying before services are rendered. Incidentally the term “total overhaul” carries the same risks, and you should look out for inclusive terms such as whole, full, comprehensive, and all around as well. Of course, the services that you receive from the vendors advertising these false claims may be great; just do some investigating beforehand.

There is also reason to question when brakes and pads are advertised “for life.” The company may be saying that they stand by their work, but they cannot guarantee that those parts are not going to fail. Variables beyond their control such as driving conditions, drivers themselves, poorly followed maintenance schedules, and just plain luck all have to do with the life of the braking system. You need to clarify under what conditions their work is guaranteed, and under what conditions they will expect you to foot the bill for future repairs on the car. “For life” is usually defined in small print as a certain number of miles based on the average number of miles someone puts on vehicle before trading it in. It also could be defined as “for as long as you own the car.” Either of these could be a good deal, but know which deal you are getting and under what conditions it is true.

Another common promotion technique is for a business to quote a skeptically low price only for you to find out that the price is for two wheels rather than for all four. It may include the parts and labor on all four drums and pads while bleeding, fluid changing, and other services are extra. It could also include the parts and repairs for all four wheels and not include the labor at all. You really just never know what it means to each respective car care specialist, and again the services that you receive could be thorough and well worth the money, but it behooves you not to make any assumptions when deciphering marketing techniques.