Do you think it might be time to replace your brake pads? If so, your biggest concern is probably how much it’s going to cost to do so. Before you start worrying about that, however, it’s important to make sure that your problem actually is worn brake pads. Many more serious brake problems can masquerade as faulty brake pads and, if left unchecked, can cause serious damage to your vehicle. Only a qualified mechanic can let you know for sure if failing brake pads are the cause of your car troubles. With that said, however, if you hear a steady squealing noise when you drive, it’s likely time to replace your brake pads. This noise will generally persist throughout your drive and stop only when you exert pressure on the brake.
At first, the squealing noise may be just a minor annoyance, one that doesn’t have an impact on your driving. This can make it tempting to ignore the problem, but don’t! The longer you go without replacing your brake pads, the higher the risk of causing serious damage to your vehicle. Continuing to ride around on worn brake pads can cause problems with your brake rotors, brake drums, and brake calipers, all of which can be costly to repair or replace.
Fortunately, if you catch the problem early enough, replacing your brake pads should be relatively cheap. How much you will have to pay will vary greatly dependent upon where you live, the mechanic you choose, and how much of the replacement process you are able to handle on your own. In general, however, most people will pay anywhere from $25 to $60 or so to have their brake pads replaced. Obviously, the easiest way to get a cheap rate is to simply purchase the brake pads and then replace them yourself. Though it may be tempting to save a few bucks with a do-it-yourself job, you shouldn’t choose this route unless you are confident about what you are doing and have experience replacing brake pads. If you make a mistake, you could end up causing more problems with your vehicle which might cost you more in the long run.
The safest thing to do is to have an experienced mechanic install the brake pads for you. Feel free to receive estimates from various mechanics in your area. That way, you can compare prices and get the best deal possible. Just keep in mind that quality of service is much more important than cost. While cost will certainly be a factor in your decision making process, remember that you also want to ensure a job well done. It’ s much better to pay a little bit more and have the job done right than it is to save money and have problems in the future. Also keep in mind the quality of the brake pads you purchase or that the mechanic uses. While you can go with cheaper brands, it’s smarter to go with more trusted brake pad manufacturers.
Collins Automotive
Family Owned Auto Shop, Serving Abbotsford, BC and surrounding area since 1993
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