I have worked over 10 years for Brake Franchises. So I want to tell you a little more how the “Free Brake Inspection” works. It sounds like a courtesy check which it is, but there is a lot more to it.
First of all they pull your car in and in an instant all 4 wheels are removed. Measuring devices are pulled out and in minutes they can tell if you need additional parts like Brake Pads, Brake Shoes, and other brake components. If your rotors or drums are just 1 one thousands off then they mark them as needing replaced. Your brake shoes are measured how far the rivets are exposed. Your brake pads are measured how thick they are.
Then next they inspect visually your brake lines and Brake Calipers, Brake wheel cylinders, and your Master Cylinder for leakage. They also check your Brake hardware such as shims and springs for weakness and rust. Some shops go as far as recommending a flush and fill on your whole braking system if the brake fluid looks a little dark. One scare tactic is to compare your brake fluid to new brake fluid. Then if they get your approval for the flush then they get an additional $70 to $80 bucks tacked on to your Ticket! I would estimate on a car with over 45 thousand miles on it you would be looking at least 2 to 3 hundred dollars brake job at a bad shop!
A fairly reputable shop will give you at least 2 estimates. One with the super expensive parts and one for cheaper parts. I think the highest brake estimate I ever witnessed was around $3,000. One of the bigger franchises will offer you a Lifetime Guarantee For $69.90. But what they don’t tell you is, they will only guarantee the parts installed by them. (usually just $17.00 Brake pads) They lead you to believe that the whole braking system will be guaranteed . That is how they keep you coming back time after time, nickel and dimeing you to death.
I remember one Tech. telling me that if a car comes in with bald tires and dirty then he can tell the customer wont buy anything. But on the other hand if he sees a well maintained vehicle inside and out then as he put it, “that’s his meal ticket for the day especially if it’s a woman that has a baby booster seat installed”!
So to sum all this up, Get at least 3 free brake inspections and go with the best price! Usually a slow shop with no cars visible in the lot or in the shop means “WATCH OUT.” What you want to look for is a busy shop with the ASE Logo posted outside. I hope this Post will help you when its time to shop around for brakes.
