Stop! How cheap brakes often cost you more down the road
13:03
Brakes are central to
a vehicle’s safety, yet many drivers let misinformed frugality grab the
steering wheel when it comes to maintaining or repairing this essential
automotive system.
In our continuing
series on cheap pricing vs. true value, this month we look at brake service.
And while a cheap brake job might seem like a real bargain, it often winds up
being a costlier proposition in the long run.
How? Central to the
problem is the tendency for the bargain-focused guys to use the cheapest parts
available, which wear out faster. This means you’re paying to redo pads and
rotors more often, which ultimately costs more money than paying a little more
initially for a quality job — one that often lasts twice as long.
The budget myth
These “budget” brake
jobs aren't quiet, either. They squeal and squeak while leaving unsightly
excess brake dust on wheels and rims.
By contrast, a good mechanic’s approach is to use higher-quality parts. For example, our rotors are
made of higher-quality metal and feature a better surface finish, which
translates not only to the “cosmetic” factor of reduced noise, but also the
vital safety feature of shorter stopping distances.
This is because the
superior surface finish allows the brake pads to seat better on the rotors,
allowing the two to work better together. It also means they operate at cooler
temperatures, preventing brake fade and
preserving the brake fluid, which deteriorates at high temperatures.
Quality rotors also
contain more cooling fins, which prevents the rotors themselves from
overheating. Cheaper alternatives often overheat and warp, which creates a
pulsating brake pedal. In addition, the high-quality rotor’s anti-corrosive
surface helps prevent rusting.
Another benefit professional mechanics provides is cleaning and lubricating calipers, which should be part of any
brake job. If this step is ignored or done improperly, the calipers can stick or
seize, causing uneven and premature brake pads wear. Our brake pads feature a
high ceramic content, which lasts longer, impedes dust, heats up less,
maintains quiet performance and features improved stopping.
Light load
If excessive noise or
poor stopping performance isn't enough to dissuade you from purchasing brakes
on the cheap, perhaps a pesky and persistent dashboard light will do the trick.
Cheap rotors can cause
some vehicles’ anti-lock brake (ABS) light to illuminate. On some vehicle
applications, the ABS exciter ring is built into the rotor. The ring on cheap
replacement rotors often fits improperly, triggering the ABS light.
Inexperienced technicians many times will mistakenly diagnose the problem as a
faulty ABS sensor and replace it. The customer gets hit with a charge for
diagnosis, a new part and labor. Of course, the ABS light will re-trigger,
prompting yet another trip to the shop in a frustrating merry-go-round.
