What a $99 brake job really costs...

Almost everyone that has ever walked into my shop and told me about their $99 brake job at one of those ‘brake places,’ or got the $99 brake special at one of the chains, has gone on to explain how their service strangely turned into around $800. It’s called bait and switch. They get people in the door by this $99 ad and proceed to sell you all the parts and labor for your complete brake system.

First of all, few cars need their complete brake system replaced for a typical brake job. If you've been driving for a few weeks while hearing a bad grinding noise, then you've probably damaged rotors and calipers. If you bring your car in when the brakes start squealing, then you probably just need brake pads and rotors and/or drums turned.

Another thing I've had customers tell me is how these places try to sell them a ‘brake flush.’ The brakes on your vehicle are a sealed system. Unless your car’s been sitting under water or someone put sand or milk into your brake fluid reservoir, you probably don’t need a brake flush. Most of the up selling these bait and switch type places try to do is unnecessary.

Basically, trust who you’re dealing with and educate yourself a little so you’re not getting taken by a smooth or pushy sales person. One of the things I enjoy, is educating my customers if they want to know. There are certain maintenance items on cars, that if taken care of, will help your vehicle last longer and oftentimes, prevent later repairs.

Jim Slifer, Rush Automotive and Towing