Replacing your brake pads is a part of car ownership, and it is natural to wonder how much it costs. When brake pads get old or worn down, they can make driving unsafe and potentially cost you a lot of money in repairs, so it is essential to have them replaced regularly.
Replacing brake pads typically costs between 130 and 300 dollars per axle. This estimate includes both the price of the parts and the cost of labor. Additionally, extra factors such as the type of brake pad and the materials from which they are made can increase the cost.
When you start your journey as a car owner, it is necessary to stay informed about how much things cost. Keep reading to learn more about the price of replacing brake pads and how you can know when it is time to get them replaced.
The Cost of Replacing Brake Pads Explained
When brake pads start to wear down, they can have a major impact on your car and even cause lasting damage or accidents. It is necessary to get your brake pads replaced, but this can cost money. There are several reasons why brake pad replacement costs money, and the most common are as follows.
The Price of Parts
When you get your brake pads replaced, new ones will have to be ordered in. This simple reason can amount to as much as $150 but typically ranges around $50 for each axle. Most of the time, your mechanic will order the parts directly so that you do not have to, but you should check with your mechanic beforehand to make sure that they have the parts on hand or can order them.
The Cost of Labor
Mechanics rely on routine repairs like brake pad replacement to make a living, and paying for their time is a necessary part of the process. On average, mechanics charge around $100 per axle, but this can vary based on your mechanic’s hourly rate and if they are doing any other repairs at the same time.
If you have experience, you can seek to cut costs by replacing the brake pads yourself. However, this is highly discouraged unless you have an in-depth knowledge of the repair process.
The Type and Material of the Brake Pads
Not all brake pads are made the same, and this can impact the cost as well.
The cost of brake pads is typically determined by the following features:
- Material: ceramic brake pads often cost more than semi-metallic ones. This is because they are considered to be superior in performance and result in quieter noise.
- Premium brands: Certain brands, such as StopTech or Hawk, sell brake pads that are considered premium. With this designation, they are often of a higher quality and sell at higher prices.
- Type of driving: Semi-metallic brake pads intended for aggressive driving, such as racing, often cost less because they get worn down faster and need to be replaced more often.
Once you know the factors that affect the cost of your brake pads, you can make the right choice as to which is the best for your car.
When Should I Get My Brake Pads Changed?
It is best to schedule regular appointments with your mechanic to get your tires checked. When they do this, they can verify that your brake pads are in good shape and let you know when you can expect to need a replacement.
You should get your brake pads changed when you notice the following things:
- Resistance or slowness in braking
- Noise such as squealing when you brake
- Grinding sound
- The car is leaning
- The brake pedal vibrates
When any or all of the above happens, you will know that your brake pads are getting worn down. When this happens, you should get your car in at the mechanic so that the pads can be promptly replaced.
Conclusion
Budgeting for car expenses can be a daunting task, but brake pads are essential if you want to continue traveling safely. Maintaining your brake pads will keep your car in good shape and avoid more serious damage to the rest of your car.
This does come at a price, however. You can expect to spend anywhere between $130 and $300 on brake pad replacement per axle. This pricing includes the cost of the parts themselves, along with the labor and any extra cost associated with premium or specialty brake pads. Keeping your brake pads in good shape will continue to allow you to drive with ease.