The Top Brake Repair Shops for Pricing and Service

Finding a good, reliable brake repair shop can be an ordeal sometimes. Having to choose between the numerous independent mechanics in any given town and the larger chain retailers can be difficult as well. On the one hand, it is always nice dealing with a local company that has a good reputation, but on the other, the chain stores have gotten big for a reason--usually because of good prices and service. Although the many independent service technicians cannot be covered here, this is a list of the top brake repair shops based on price and service.

Brake Repair Cost

• Midas: Midas charges roughly $80 per hour for labor costs when working on brakes. They charge about $50 for a brake drum package, $60 to replace brake fluid, and upwards of $800 for a complete caliper and rotor job. There are almost always pressure tactics to get you agree to other services such as extra things for your brake drums, pads, shoes, cylinders or otherwise. There are, however, coupons that Midas offers that allow you to save on service. Read customer testimonials for yourself before you commit, and always look for coupons.
• Meineke: Meineke offers basic, preferred and performance brake repair. Their prices vary from location to location due to the fact that their franchises are independently owned and operated, but they advertise a free brake check. You should expect to pay, like Midas, around $80 per hour in labor. After that, the cost consists of parts. Consumer testimonials abound-both good and bad, so you should definitely shop around and read what others have said. $500 for 4 brake pads sounds like a horror story, but you don't want to be the next victim.
• Pep Boys: Here, as well, you can get a free brake inspection with the right coupon. There is also a coupon that will take $40 off brake service. Like both Midas and Meineke, they offer different levels of brake service, but the prices will vary from store to store. Pep Boys has a bronze, silver and gold brake package. The gold has the highest warranty protection. Once again, you should check with customer reviews of your local Pep Boys franchise. Don't rely solely on the quotes they offer you because all too often-it is reported-bait and switch techniques are used.

Service

• Pep Boys: Pep Boys offers a limited lifetime warranty on all of the brake pads and shoes they install. They will replace worn parts without charge for as long as the vehicle is your. This, however, usually does not involve labor charges.
• Midas: This company, too, offers a lifetime guarantee on brake pads and shoes purchased from them for as long as you own your vehicle. However, each shop might have different standards for this and what constitutes natural wear and tear.
• Meineke: Meineke offers its customers a free, no-obligation brake check. They advertise that they will provide a written quote prior to you agreeing to the work.

Brake repair is serious business, so it is in your best interest to find a service station that you can trust. Look into the three big chains listed here-Midas, Meineke and Pep Boys, but don't stop there. Check out a few local shops, for you might find an even better deal with more upfront accountability.