Are your brakes acting up? Keep these 7 helpful tips in mind before you take your car to a brake repair mechanic!
Part of staying safe on the road is having a safe vehicle. Part of having a safe vehicle is having brakes that will stop when you need them to. If your brakes are wearing down,
making too much noise, or not functioning properly, take your car to an auto repair shop. Auto mechanics have the know-how and skill to solve any brake repair problem you come across. Read these 7 tips before you take your vehicle to a brake repair shop!
Get a Professional Brake Inspection
If you’re a beginner to brake repair, you should take your vehicle to an auto repair shop for a professional brake inspection. During a brake inspection, your mechanic will inspect your entire braking system. He will make sure your brake pads are not worn out. He will see if there are any leaks or cracks in the brake lines. He will also check your brake fluid level.
Save Money with Generic Brake Pads
You can save cash by using cheap, generic brake pads. It’s safe to do this, but be aware that these types of brake pads can make noise and they may not fit your vehicle. You can prevent such problems by using factory brake pads which are designed for your car. You can find factory brake pads by contacting a dealership.
Skip the Extra Stuff
Make sure you are alert when you're at the brake repair shop. Some auto service centers routinely promote huge discounts on auto repair jobs. For example, you may be intrigued by an $80 brake pad special. If you take advantage of this type of deal, the store representative may offer you new calipers or rotors. Sip the extra stuff if you don't need it.
Ask for an Estimate
Get an estimate for a brake job. If you drop your vehicle off to get your brakes inspected, ask for an estimate before a mechanic starts working on your car. Tell the store representative or mechanic that no work should be done without your permission.
Compare Prices on Brake Jobs
Shop around. After you find out what kind of work needs to be done and how much that project will cost you, jot the information down. Call a few auto repair shops and find out what they charge for the same service. Try calling a few chain outlets, dealerships, or independent auto service centers.
Review Your Bill Carefully
Review your bill carefully. When you pick up your vehicle at the auto repair shop, review your bill carefully. Make sure everything matches up with the estimate you were provided with. If you notice something that was not authorized by you, speak up about it.
Don’t Get Scammed
Don’t get ripped off. One common sales approach is pointing out differences in a car’s brake-pad wear. One side may look more worn out than the other, and the mechanic may tell you that your hydraulic system is failing. However, uneven wear is usually normal. Be aware that replacement of a major system component is not needed to correct this problem. If you’re concerned about it, make sure you get a second opinion. If you keep these 7 tips in mind, you will save yourself a lot of frustration and fatten your wallet!
