Putting The Brakes On Expensive High Brake Repair Bills - 3 Ways To Save Big
A good running car will only need minimal maintenance, such as oil changes, brake repairs, tire rotations, and occasional engine tune-ups. Unfortunately, some drivers end up paying just as much for small jobs as they would for major repairs because they don't know what each service actually consists of. Here's how to make sure that you're paying a fair price for all brake repair services in the future.
1. Supply Your Own Brake Pads, Shoes, And Rotors - For the sake of convenience, many mechanics keep brake pads and rotors stocked in order to service their customers more quickly. What you may not know is that you're probably paying a premium price for the same brake pads that can be found for sale at a lower price at a nearby auto supply store. Sometimes rotors and brake shoes aren't locally available, but they can be purchased from distributors and larger auto parts retailers.
Simply find out which brake pads correspond with your make and model vehicle, then bring them to your mechanic the next time you need to have your brakes repaired. You should see a good amount of money deducted from your auto repair bill if you supply your own parts.
2. Examine Your Rotors - Brake repair jobs that include rotor resurfacing or replacement tend to be more expensive, partly because they are more labor intensive. Since rotors have a major impact on the life of brake pads, there are mechanics who will recommend rotor replacement instead of resurfacing. Replacing your rotors may help to keep your brake pads intact longer, but that doesn't necessarily mean that you'll save money in the long run.
Prior to agreeing to have your rotors replaced, look over them closely. If they look relatively smooth and rust free, inquire about having them resurfaced. Also remember to see if your rotors are still within warranty so that you can have them replaced at no cost.
3. Request A Breakdown of Labor Costs - Your mechanic should be able to estimate the amount of time it will take to have your brakes fixed, as well as let you know how much you are being charged per hour. Getting a brake repair estimate before any work is done will also let you know if the proposed charges are fair to you. Remember that you can get estimates from several mechanics and choose to go with whichever service provider you want at the end of the day.
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