Brake inspection is a key maintenance procedure to ensure your vehicle stays in perfect working order.
But how much does it cost?
Read on to discover essential details on brake inspection cost and other valuable insights.
This Article Contains:
- How Much Does a Brake Inspection Cost?
- Is It Worth Having Your Brakes Inspected?
- Signs You Need a Brake Inspection
- What to Expect During a Brake Inspection
- How Often Do You Need a Brake Inspection?
How Much Does a Brake Inspection Cost?
Let’s explore the costs of a brake system inspection to ensure your vehicle remains in top condition:
A. Range
The average cost for a brake inspection is between $80 and $120. This includes thoroughly inspecting the entire brake system, including:
- Brake pedal
- Brake fluid
- Brake line
- Brake assemblies
- Parking brake
B. Factors Affecting Cost
The different factors that can shake up the costs of a brake inspection are:
- Type of vehicle: A high-end vehicle may have a more advanced braking system, which may require extra disassembly and specialized brake repair.
- Location: Labor costs can vary depending on local taxes and regulations. Additionally, different auto repair shops will charge different rates between locations.
- Type of brakes: Whether your car has disc or drum brakes will also affect the overall cost. Drum brakes have more parts than disc brakes, which can create a more complicated brake problem. However, drum brake parts typically cost less.
Is It Worth Having Your Brakes Inspected?
Booking a brake check as part of regular brake service ensures your vehicle is safe to drive.
Regular brake maintenance keeps your brake system running smoothly and is also more cost-effective in the long run. For example, addressing a minor brake problem like low brake fluid or worn brake pads before they escalate can help you avoid expensive repairs like a complete brake replacement.
Signs You Need a Brake Inspection
Here are a few warning signs that indicate it’s time for a brake inspection:
- Brake noise: A high-pitched squealing or squeaking sound often signals worn brake pads.
- Brakes feel spongy: This could indicate a need for a brake pad replacement or air in the brake line.
- Illuminated brake warning or engine light: The ECU (Engine Control Unit) triggers the brake warning light when there’s an issue, indicating you need brake service.
What to Expect During a Brake Inspection
A brake inspection is a thorough examination of your braking system. As such, it includes the following:
- Visual inspection: The mechanic looks at the master cylinder, power booster, brake lines, vacuum hose, and combination valve (valve that distributes hydraulic pressure between the front and rear brakes.)
- Brake fluid check: They check your brake fluid level and quality.
- Inspect the undercarriage: With your vehicle raised, the mechanic can examine the undercarriage for signs of damage and leaks.
- Wheel inspection: The mechanic will inspect the wheel bearings for excessive movement. They’ll look at each brake caliper and the rotor (in the case of disc brakes) and drum and brake shoes (in the case of drum brakes), checking for signs of leaking fluid and rust.
- Brake component assessment: The mechanic will then move to the rear brakes, looking for cracks and hard spots on the drum (if installed with rear drum brakes). Before they wrap up, they’ll check for distortion or wear on each minor brake component and the parking brake.
How Often Do You Need a Brake Inspection?
You should have your braking system checked every six months. This tends to coincide with a tire rotation. However, book a brake check ASAP if you hear abnormal brake noise or if your brake pedal feels spongy.
Book a Brake Inspection with AutoNation Mobile Service
Regular brake maintenance is essential for preventing accidents and saving money on an expensive brake job.
Need an expert brake inspection without leaving your driveway?
Contact AutoNation Mobile Service!
We’re a mobile auto repair and maintenance service available 7 days a week.
Get a free quote online and book an appointment for a convenient brake system inspection.