Tip #3. Know What Needs Replacing Ahead Of Time

Here's a good money saving technique: A good way to avoid paying for unnecessary work or parts, is to find out exactly what brake parts need replacing BEFORE you make an appointment to have your brakes serviced. By knowing what does and what does not need replacing, you will be in a better position to get pricing and instruct a shop what work you need. That will make you appear more knowledgeable in the service managers eyes. They will respect that and know you are a customer that cannot easily be taken advantage of.

A cheap way to get an inspection is to have your brakes inspected when you get your tires rotated or have an oil change. Most shops offer free inspections, but even if you have to pay a little extra, it could save you a lot of money. You don't have to have them perform the work.

Here is a good example: After an inspection, a mechanic might tell you your front brake pads should be replaced soon but your rear brakes are only about half worn. He may suggest getting only the front pads replaced for now (front brake pads usually need replacing more frequently). If he tells you your rotors look good and don't need machining, changing only the front brake pads would be a simple process and cost significantly less than a complete brake job. But the most important thing is, you now know what parts are good and what parts do not need replacing. You are in a better position to avoid paying for services and parts you don't need.

Tip # 4. Shop Around

Once you know what work need to be done, check the newspaper ads for specials and make a few calls to find out what the price of work will be. Even if you don't intend to go with the shops you call, find out what the going rates are. If you know what parts need replacing, ask for a price for just that work. If all you need are brake pads, for example, why pay extra for work you don't need? Find out how much new pads would cost, installed. And, if the rotors needed maching, how much would that be?

If you need the whole works, ask shops if they have any brake specials. If not, ask if they will meet another shop's special price? Often they will. Shops need to increase their customer base just like any business does and often do brake work for small profits. Specials get new customers in the door that will hopefully come back next time.

If you prefer to take your car or truck to a favorite shop, call other shops first, then call your favorite shop. Don't tell them who you are. Find out how competitive their prices are. If they are higher, politely ask why. Maybe they offer services other don't or do better work. Even if they are higher, you still may want to make an appointment with them if you have been happy with the quality of their work and service.

Tip #5. Ask Questions

When you call around for prices on a brake work, ask a lot of questions. Find out exactly what IS and what IS NOT included with each estimate. Then you can accurately compare between shops. If you have already had an estimate and know what work you need, get a price on just that work. When calling around, here are some things to remember:

• Is the price a whole package price, or can it be broken down if you only need certain brake work/parts? If you know you only need new pads, how much are new pads? If it turns out the rotors need turning, how much extra would it cost?
• Beware of bait and switch tactics. If you do not know what the costs will be, some shops may try to convince you to do work that is unnecessary. Once a vehicle is on the hoist, customers are an easy target for more work.
• By asking many questions, a shop will consider you a knowledgeable customer. Shop managers will be less likely to take advantage of you.

Don't replace brakes prematurely