Maintaining road safety means taking good care of your car’s brakes. As your vehicle ages and clocks up more miles, the brakes will need attention. But finding a cheap brake service can be challenging. Don’t worry! Only some auto shops will empty your pockets for new brakes.
We’ve done thorough research to find some of the cheapest places to get your brakes done that don’t compromise quality. Let’s explore these wallet-friendly choices together on this journey to save money!
7 Cheapest Places To Get Your Brakes Done
We have shortlisted 7 of the cheapest places to get your brakes done.
Local independent mechanic shops
Local small businesses can be great places to find reasonably priced quality goods. They’re not like large stores. They can adjust their prices to compete and offer deals based on their knowledge of their customers, not just rigid company policies. Buying from these small businesses might earn special discounts that foster a long-term relationship with the seller. This is a refreshing alternative to the uniform approach of some big chains.
National chain repair centers
Big-name repair shops like Midas, Jiffy Lube, and Meineke are well-known everywhere; they also do a great job because they stick to set prices and high-quality brake services. They’ve made fixing cars, especially brake work, less of a headache and more about feeling secure and saving money.
They often offer special deals, unique discount coupons, or rewarding loyalty schemes that make things cheaper. This means regular customers get a break on price while those new to the service can try budget-friendly ways to keep their cars in good shape.
Mobile brake repair services
Customers can enjoy convenience and save money with mobile brake repair services. The mechanic will come directly to you, so there’s no need to tow your car to a shop. This saves time and avoids towing costs. Mobile services, such as rent or utilities, don’t have high overhead costs like regular shops. This allows them to price their services more competitively. As a result, customers might spend less on repair costs.
Vocational schools and technical colleges
Lots of car mechanic schools and tech colleges give cheap brake services. This is part of their hands-on training. Students work on real cars while experienced teachers watch over them.
This offers a cheap fix for car owners and great practice for students. But, as you said, it might take longer than at a pro garage. That’s because students are still learning and need more time to do things right. Teachers also have to double-check everything to make sure it’s all good.
DIY with the help of online tutorials
Online tutorials and forums have made DIY projects like brake maintenance much more accessible. They offer step-by-step guides to help you through the process. You can save money by doing it yourself if you’re confident in your mechanical skills. But remember, you must be very careful when working on your car’s brakes.
Tiny mistakes could cause serious safety issues in the future. Online help is excellent, but keep it from replacing expert advice or services when they’re needed. Always prioritize safety over saving money, especially for important car maintenance tasks like brake work.
Auto parts stores that offer brake installation services
Many car parts shops like Pep Boys and Advance Auto Parts provide brake installation services in their stores. They have skilled workers who can do the job well. The benefit of using these services is that they often give discounts or free installation when you buy the brake parts straight from their shop.
This setup could save you money on brake upkeep because it eliminates the need to pay separately for parts and labor. Getting your brakes installed at the same shop where you purchased them ensures they fit your car correctly and are properly installed.
Shop around for special promotions and discounts.
You can save a lot of money on car repair services, like brake service, by looking for special deals and discounts. Many car repair shops have seasonal sales or give price cuts to specific groups like new customers, people in the military, or older adults. But they might only sometimes make these deals easy to see. That’s why you must take the first step and ask about them. Please don’t hesitate to ask the shop about any sales or discounts they might have.
Cost Of A Complete Brake Job
The price of a total brake repair can vary depending on different things. Pay between $250 and $700 per axle for an average car using regular parts. This cost usually covers changing brake pads, rotors, and calipers. It also includes the work done by the mechanic and any needed tweaks.
A complete brake repair can cost much more for high-performance or luxury cars. These cars often need particular parts, and the work might be more complicated. Always ask your repair shop for a price quote to avoid surprise expenses before they start the job.
How To Choose A Place For A Cheap Brake Job
Looking for cheapest places to get your brakes done. Don’t just focus on the cost. The reputation and experience of the shop matter a lot. Look at online reviews or ask friends and family about their experiences to understand the quality of work.
The safety and reliability of your car should not be compromised for low prices. You will also get price quotes from many repair shops to compare prices and services. Some shops have discounts or promotions that can lower costs considerably. Trade schools are another affordable choice because students do their work under professional supervision. Consider doing it yourself or using auto parts stores that offer brake installation services to save money while still getting a good quality job.
How Much Does A Normal Brake Job Cost?
The price for a standard brake job can change a lot based on a few things. Changing brake pads and fixing or swapping out rotors usually costs between $150 and $500 for each axle. This is an average, though; your actual cost is different because of what kind of car you have, what parts are used, and how much mechanics charge where you live.
Fancy or unique cars might cost more to fix because they need particular details and work to increase the price. It’s good to ask several mechanics or car repair shops how much they would charge to ensure you pay less for your brake job.
Does Walmart Offer Cheap Brake Jobs?
Walmart Auto Care Centers does a lot of car-related services. But they don’t do brake jobs. They mostly do simple things like changing oil, fixing tires, and installing new batteries. You won’t find brake services at Walmart. There are other places to get cheap brake jobs, though. You could check out local mechanics who usually have reasonable prices. Or you could try big repair shops that typically have all kinds of brake services.
Does Costco Offer Cheap Brake Jobs?
Costco isn’t a place to get your brakes fixed. They’re a big store that sells many things at reasonable prices, but fixing cars isn’t one of them. They mainly sell and put on tires. You can buy tires there, and they’ll put them on for you at their Tire Centers. But you’ll need to find another place that does those things for car fixes, like changing brakes or doing tune-ups.
How Long Does A Brake Job Take?
The time it takes to fix brakes can change significantly based on different things. A regular brake job, where you change the brake pads and maybe the rotors, usually takes 1 to 2 hours for each axle when done by a skilled mechanic.
This time includes taking off, putting back the wheels, and making any needed changes for the best performance. But fixing more complex problems like changing calipers or working on the brake system’s hydraulics could take much longer. Also, less skilled mechanics or students learning at trade schools might need more time to do the work. In these cases, fixing the brakes could take three hours or more for each axle.
Can You Drive On Grinding Brakes?
You could drive a car with brakes making a grinding noise, but it’s not a good idea. This noise usually means your brake pads are too worn or gone altogether. Now you have metal rubbing against metal.
This makes your brakes work less well and can harm other parts of your brake system, like the rotors and calipers. If you keep driving like this, your brakes might stop working altogether. This could cause accidents and put you and others on the road in danger. It also usually means you’ll have to pay more for repairs later.
Does A Warranty Cover My Brakes?
A warranty might cover your brakes. This depends on the specific brake parts and who supplied them. Your car’s factory warranty may cover some brake parts. You usually get this warranty when you buy a new car.
This warranty often covers most car parts, including some brake components. But, when you get your brakes fixed or replaced, those parts might have a different limited warranty from the part manufacturer. Many repair shops also give labor warranties for fixing or replacing brakes. You should always check the terms and conditions of all warranties before buying parts or services to ensure you know what is covered.
What Factors Affect The Lifespan Of Brake Pads And Rotors?
The lifespan of your brake pads and rotors depends on several factors. Your driving habits play a significant role. For instance, frequent hard braking or aggressive driving can lead to faster wear and tear. Regular traffic jams also contribute to this.
Your car’s weight impacts the longevity of your brake pads and rotors. Cars that often have heavy loads need more frequent brake work due to the increased stress on the brakes. The type of car you own and the material of the brakes are crucial, too. Fast or heavy cars require more brake maintenance, while high-quality brake materials last longer than cheaper alternatives.
Driving conditions also affect brake pad and rotor lifespan. Hilly terrains or roads littered with debris can lead to wear out faster.
How Do I Know When My Brakes Need Servicing?
Look for specific signs that suggest your brakes might need a check-up. One common symptom is hearing odd noises, such as squeaks or squeals when you use the brakes. This could mean your brake pads are getting worn out. Another sign is feeling a soft or spongy sensation when you press the brake pedal, suggesting there could be issues with your brake fluid or lines.
You may also notice vibrations when braking, which could indicate warped rotors. Longer times to stop are another sign that your brakes might not perform at their best. Don’t ignore the brake warning light on your dashboard – it indicates that something might be off with your brakes. Regularly checking and staying alert to these signs can help you spot potential problems before they become major ones.
Can I Replace Only The Brake Pads Without Changing The Rotors?
Changing just the brake pads without touching the rotors is possible. But this choice relies heavily on your rotors’ state. The rotors are in good condition and are smooth, with no significant grooves or warping. In this case, you only need to switch out the brake pads. But, when there are clear signs of wear like deep grooves, cracks, or warping on your rotors, it’s best to either smoothen them out or get new ones altogether. Ignoring these warning signs might lessen your brakes’ effectiveness and make your new brake pads wear down faster.
Are Ceramic Brake Pads Better Than Semi-Metallic Ones?
Different types of vehicles need other brake pads, like ceramic or semi-metallic. Ceramic brake pads are quieter, cleaner, and last longer than semi-metallic ones. They work best for smaller cars or regular driving when you don’t need a lot of braking power.
Semi-metallic brake pads cool down quickly and stop your car faster. These are great for high-performance cars or big vehicles that need more braking power. But they might make more noise and dust than ceramic pads. So, choosing between ceramic and semi-metallic brake pads depends on what kind of car you have, how you drive it, and what you like best.
How Often Should I Get My Brakes Checked?
Check your brakes at least once a year or every 12,000 miles. This is a good rule for most drivers. But you should check them more often if you drive in lots of traffic, up and down hills, or use your car for towing. Also, watch for any changes in how your car drives. Any strange noises or shakes could mean a problem with your brakes. And don’t ignore the brake warning light on your dashboard! It’s essential to get these things checked out right away. Regular checks keep your car safe and save money on extensive repairs later.
Conclusion
You don’t have to stress about finding a trustworthy and budget-friendly place for brake service. Our detailed guide to the cheapest places to get your brakes done, has shown you several affordable choices. These include big-name stores like Midas and Jiffy Lube and smaller local garages that offer better deals. Remember, it’s not only about the cost but also the quality of service and road safety. Make sure to do your research and read reviews before you decide. Take care of your car; schedule your brake service today at one of these suggested spots.
FAQ’s
Why is it important to maintain my vehicle’s braking system?
Regular maintenance ensures your car’s braking system works optimally, enhancing your safety on the road.
How often should I get my brakes checked?
It’s recommended to have your brake system inspected every 12,000 miles or at least once a year.
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