Brake jobs are one of the most common repairs in our stop and go world of commuting. Repairing brakes can also be one of the easiest scams in the business. The best way to avoid being scammed is to understand what the symptoms you are experiencing actually mean.

If you have pulsating brakes, the pedal pulses as you apply pressure to stop. You have a rotor problem, the brake shoes push against the rotor to stop the car. If you overheat your brakes your rotors can warp, of if the car has sat for a long time rust can damage a rotor, if a brake shoe has become frozen and the rotor has worn unevenly, all possible causes to a bad rotor.

If you hear a deep scraping noise when you apply the brakes, the shoes may be worn to the point you have metal to metal pressing on the rotors. Sponginess in the pedal may be an indicator of a master cylinder problem, low fluid allowing air into the system or a leak.

Having some idea of what the problem is will help you when looking for a quality repair shop. Beware, everyone sees the adds for $59 brake jobs, usually this will actually mean they will replace the brake pads for that amount. A proper brake job consists of turning the rotors to give a new wear surface, as well as changing the pads, inspecting for fluid leaks, topping off the master cylinder, etc.

The favorite rip off going is to say, I'm sorry but your rotors will have to be replaced, they're worn beyond specifications. This can quickly raise that $59 brake job to $300-$400. Think about it before you automatically give the ok for the work. If your car is 5 years old with 75,000 miles of mostly stop and go driving , yes probably they are shot. But if your car is 2 years old with 12,000 miles, not likely, let them prove it to you. Ask for the factory minimum thickness (given in thousands of and inch) and have them show you with a micrometer what the thickness of your rotors are. Just knowing what to ask will probably stop them in their tracks and change their tune if they are being less than honest.

In the long run it is best to chose an accredited nation wide chain as they usually offer a life time guarantee and really don't want to do the job twice. They have the best source of parts as brakes are their specialty. It's in their best interest to do a good quality honest job.

Learn more about this author, Curtis Carper.
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