Breaking Down Brake Service

Keeping on top of your vehicle’s braking system is essential. After all, we all like when we can stop.

Here in the Rust Belt, corrosion from rust and salt plays a huge part in how often brakes need to be serviced and replaced. In short, it’s done more often here than say, in Florida.

Stop sign on a snowy road

So, let’s figure out how to keep brakes doing that vital stopping thing, while costing you less time and money.

If you called every automotive repair shop in Western NY and asked for a quote on a front brake replacement job, you’d likely get quoted anywhere from $400-800. But why? Aren’t the parts and service pretty much the same everywhere?

Nope.

Not all brake services are created equally. A standard brake job consists of replacing brake pads and rotors. So, for that standard job we need to consider the quality of parts being installed. Premium pads and rotors last longer, giving you more mileage out of your brakes and keeping your car out of the shop.

Cheaper options may save money in the short term, which can be handy, but doesn’t help if you are having to replace the brakes more often.

The biggest factor in brake longevity is undoubtedly how the components are replaced, at least in the rust-belt areas. It’s not enough to simply remove the used components and slap on new ones.

Diagram of brake system

Inspection of all brake components can find issues early. Leaks, corrosion, and sticking parts can all lead to brake failure. Brake calipers apply clamping force to the pads into the rotors to allow the car to stop. Caliper slides must be cleaned and greased with synthetic, non-petroleum-based lubricants, so they function correctly.

Brake system hardware must be carefully inspected and replaced as needed. Most pad failures occur due to seizing in their holding brackets. The build-up causing the seizing must be thoroughly removed so that the pads can once again move freely. When this service is done thoughtfully and correctly, the new parts will last as long as possible.

Before service- brakes with build-up and corrosion

After service- brakes cleaned up

Another factor when considering difference in price is the material make-up of the brake rotor.  Economical brake rotors may have a lower carbon content with corrosive protection causing severe rust build-up and surface deterioration sooner than you would like.  Mid-tier brake rotors may have a protective coating or paint to help protect against this, while higher-tier brake rotors will contain a high carbon content, providing more robust defense against rust and corrosion.  Higher quality components will extend the life of your brake system performance, especially when installed by an expert.

Hearing those heart-stopping squeals or grinding noises coming from the brakes or feeling any soft, spongy, or pulsation when applying the brakes means your brakes need a check-up. Don’t be afraid to ask the shop how they do their brake service!