How to Save on Brake Repair Costs

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How to Find a Good Price on Brake Repairs

There are few things more frightening than failing brakes. When the brakes in your vehicle start to squeal or feel "soft", it's time to go in for brake repairs. However, actually getting a is harder than it sounds. Maybe you'll luck out and the first mechanic you see will give you a fair, flat price for parts and labor. But then again, maybe not.

It's tough to walk away from a mechanic after getting your car inspected if you think their estimate is too high. DoNotPay is here to help you skip the leg work and compare brake repair estimates and spot price inflations before that critical moment.

What Is the Average Cost of Brake Repairs?

How much do ? Brake repairs are estimated by the axle, which means your cost can be single or double depending on if you are having both axles worked on. Brake repair costs range from as low as $250 to as high as $500. Inflated costs can go over $600.

Factors considered in the repair include:

  • Refill Brake Fluid
  • Replace the Brake Pads
  • Replace Brake Pads and Rotors
  • Replace Brake Pads, Rotors, and Calipers
  • One Axle
  • Both Axles
Repair ItemsAverage Cost
Brake Pads$30-$75 per wheel

$80-$150 per axle

Brake Rotors$30 to $75 per wheel

$80-$150 per axle

Brake CalipersUp to $130 per axle
Labor$80 - $200 per axle

The cost for labor increases by certain factors, as well, such as hours, complexity of task, and region.

How to Avoid Excessive Brake Repair Fees

When a mechanic has your car in their bay, it's tough to say no and find a better offer. Prepare yourself for repair estimates by knowing exactly what to ask for and how to spot signs of inflated prices and scams.

Ask for "Just an Inspection"

To know what repairs you need, a mechanic will need to look at your brakes and give you a report. But you don't want to commit to repair costs immediately afterward. So go in and ask for an inspection and report. Many places offer free estimates and some will sell you an inspection report to use for further quotes.

Watch Out for Scams

Be wary of new reported problems with your car. When a mechanic goes in to check on the brakes, there shouldn't be a surprise laundry list of problems that also need to be fixed. Most reputable mechanics will give you an estimated lifespan on parts that are wearing out, but won't insist on you committing to repairs right away.

Know the Repairs and Parts You Need

Once you have a report, judge estimates based on how accurately they reflect the actual costs. Look up the cost of the parts you need, then add a reasonable estimate for labor based on the complexity of the repair. Parts can cost between $35 and $300, labor can cost between $50 and $500. Use the chart above to know where to expect your cost in that range.

How to Choose the Best Brake Repair Estimate With DoNotPay

Getting your brakes repaired should be as straight-forward as it is important. You shouldn't have to worry about ambush repair work and inflated estimates. DoNotPay is here to help you among your local mechanics to get your brakes fixed.

Our Repairs product makes it easy to compare estimates once you know exactly which repairs you need. After an initial inspection, we can put together a report of the best estimates in town for the work you need. Once you have estimates, we'll scan them for signs of inflated charges like unmarked shop fees or marked-up part expenses.

With DoNotPay, you can easily select the best local mechanic estimate and get your brakes fixed fast. Here’s how to start saving on repairs with DoNotPay:

  1. Search for Quote My Repair on DoNotPay.

  2. Enter the details of the repair you need.

  3. Let DoNotPay find competitive rates for that repair in your area and any relevant information to keep you from being overcharged.

DoNotPay Can Help With Any Repair Quote

If you can get an estimate, we can help you compare and choose the right estimate for any repair job. No matter which type of repair you need, it's important to understand the costs and options. DoNotPay can help you compare repair prices for almost any item or brand in the US.

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What Else Can DoNotPay Do?

Find a few more ways that DoNotPay can make your life easier and save you money. Explore our dozens of services and products to cross the most difficult items off your checklist.

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