Brake Pads Cost – With and Without Rotors
Though brake pads cost considerably inexpensive when compared to other auto parts, finding the best and suitable ones is lucrative as there are many options to choose from. Instead of directly asking about the brake pads and repair cost to a mechanic, you can educate yourself with some basic know-hows which in turn helps you to get the right brake pads for the right price.
The major indication for the time to replace your brake pads and buy new ones is the occurrence of a high-pitched noise during braking. In simple words, brakes convert kinetic energy into thermal energy with the involvement of lot of friction, particularly in the case of front wheels. So they are more likely to be replaced often than the rear ones.
How Much Do New Brake Pads Cost?
First, let me start with the simple fact that the cost of brake pads depends up on many factors like make and model of your vehicle, the type of brakes and their pads, etc. As you know, not every type of pad is suitable (or not available) for all vehicles. This compels you to choose from the available options.
Brake pads can vary in types like ceramic, semi-metallic, premium ceramic, or non-asbestos organic types. Thus the price may vary according to the type of brake pads that you are looking for.
Interestingly, brake pads are available in the price range of $16 to $1000. It simply don’t mean that you have to spend hundreds of dollars to get the good quality brake pads but it’s just the basic research that would help you to end up with the quality brake pads at a reasonable price.
For example, a pair of brake pads of a 2006 model Mazda 3 won’t cost more than $22 but for Tahoe, you should expect $120 or more (according to Auto Zone, 2009). So the type of vehicle influences the type of brake pads used and thus both of them are considered when it comes to estimating the cost of replacing brake pads.
Brake Pads and Rotors Replacement Cost
When it comes to the replacement of brake pads plus rotors, then the price may vary a bit. A lot of people prefer to go for the purchase of replacement of brake pads and rotors. A great advantage is that you can save a little bit of money doing so. If there are offers for the product price reduction or service cost if done as combined, then this is great.
The good news is that coupons are available most of the times even for the best brands if you prefer to buy from great providers like autozone, etc. So you need not spend money in $300 to $400 range every time. However this is the case for top brands. You can get brake rotors in the price range of $30 to $40 for vehicles such as Honda Civic, etc.
Now talking about discounts, savings and coupons, for a mazda’s brake pads and rotors replacement, coupons can save you around $74 or more. This is considered to be an average brake pads and rotors replacement cost. The price and discount percentage may vary a bit with the models available.
Brake Pads Replacement – Do It Yourself
An excellent way to get rid of the cost of labor is replacing the brake pads yourselves rather than depending on a mechanic who charges an hourly rate. Most of the repair facilities charge like this. Why don’t you try it yourself in the comfort of your own home and thus save a considerable amount of money?
With that said, brake replacement is not rocket science. An absolute novice can do it with in an hour most of the time. And if you have done it before, then you already know that it won’t take more than 20 or 30 minutes. The result is that you have saved anywhere from $60 to $100.