When car mechanics issue you with a performance estimate for the cost of repairing your brakes, it’s always tempting to say, “I can do that myself cheaper!” But before you cancel the appointment and start looking for brake parts on Amazon, here are some handy points to consider about DIY and professional brake repair.
Outline:
- PROS of DIY Brake Repair
- You’ll save money
- It’s a good learning opportunity
- You can fix the problem immediately
- Cons of DIY Brake Repair
- Mistakes can cause serious injuries, even death
- You can worsen the problem.
- It takes time away from work/home responsibilities.
- It could add more stress to your life.
- Professional Brake Repair
- You’re paying for their experience
- They can help find other problems
- They have the right tools
- They can fix it fast
- Brake Repair in Ventura, CA
DIYers do things themselves because it’s cheaper and more satisfying than paying someone else. But one of the areas most experts recommend against, especially if you don’t have much experience in car repair and maintenance, is brake repair.
The brakes are vital to your car’s safety and must work perfectly at all times. If you make a mistake, the results could be disastrous. If you plan to do it yourself, here are some pros and cons to consider before you even start.
PROS of DIY Brake Repair
1. You’ll save money.
Getting your brakes fixed or replaced in a car shop can be expensive. The majority of those who attempt to repair their own brakes do so because they want to avoid spending too much money. To illustrate, brake pad replacement can cost anywhere from $100 up to $500 apiece, depending on whether you get OEM (original equipment manufacturer) or aftermarket pads. But, if you know how to replace them yourself, you can just buy those brake pads on Amazon for under $40 Amazon. Do-it-yourself brake repairs can save you hundreds of dollars if done correctly and with the right tools.
2. It’s a good learning opportunity.
Learning how to fix your brakes is an excellent way to learn more about cars and gain valuable skills that will be useful down the road when facing other repairs or maintenance issues with your vehicle. It can also be a great opportunity to learn how to work on other components of your car, such as learning how to change the oil or replace an alternator.
3. It’s empowering.
Knowing how to work on your car can be a great feeling, especially if you’re the kind of person who likes to tackle things themselves rather than rely on others for help. You’ll feel like you have more control over your life and what happens with it when you know how to do simple repairs yourself instead of relying on someone else all the time.
CONS of DIY Brake Repair
1. Mistakes can cause serious injuries, even death.
Driving a car that is not road-worthy can have terrible consequences. And, your brakes are crucial in keeping you and your family safe while on the road. They are there to prevent you from hitting other cars or objects, and they can also keep you from going off the road. If you do not know how to fix your brakes, then it is best to leave it to a professional.
2. You can worsen the problem.
One of the biggest reasons people should not try DIY brake repair is that they can end up damaging their car and causing further damage in repairs. If you don’t know what you’re doing, it’s easy to make mistakes that could cause even more problems. For example, if you’re trying to fix your brakes and don’t know what type of brake fluid to use, it’s easy to make a mistake that could cause further damage. You could also make a mistake when adjusting the pads or cleaning the rotors.
3. It takes time away from work/home responsibilities.
Fixing a squeaky brake yourself, after all, is a DIY project that demands your attention. It can eat up your time and prevent you from working on other things. If you’re a busy person, then it’s best to leave brake repair up to the professionals.
4. It could add more stress to your life.
It’s easy to get stressed out when you’re trying to fix your own brakes. It’s not just because you might make a mistake but also because it’s hard work and will consume your time and energy. This could lead to more stress than if you left the job to a professional in the first place.
Professional Brake Repair
Now that we’ve considered the pros and cons of DIY brake repair, let’s take a look at why it’s still better to let a professional do the job for you.
Here are the advantages of letting a professional handle your brake repair:
1. You’re paying for their experience.
A professional mechanic has years of experience working on cars and knows how to fix them properly so that you don’t have to worry about your safety on the road again. They’ll also ensure that everything is done right so that you don’t have any issues with your vehicle down the line (aside from regular maintenance).
2. They can help find other problems.
Since professionals work on vehicles often, they’ll be able to catch any issues that might be causing your brakes to malfunction. For example, if the problem is just with the brake pads and not connected to anything else on your car, a professional can help you find out what’s wrong and fix it.
3. They have the right tools.
If you try to do this yourself, you’ll need all kinds of different tools and equipment, including jack stands and ramps, so that you don’t damage your vehicle while working on it (and end up paying even more money).
4. They can fix it fast.
If you need your car fixed quickly, a professional shop will be able to do so much faster than you could by yourself. Some might even offer brake repair discounts if they don’t finish the job within the promised timeframe.
Brake Repair in Ventura, CA
If you’re looking for a brake repair shop near Los Angeles Drive in Ventura, CA, you can count on Dependable Car Care to get the job done right.
We can fix any brake-related problem that you’re having, whether it’s a simple repair or a more complex issue. We’re also happy to conduct brake inspections at any time, so if you want them checked out for peace of mind, that’s no problem. We’ll give you an honest assessment of what needs to be done.
Don’t hesitate to contact us at 805-918-5286 if you need a brake change near Los Angeles Drive and nearby areas. Our technicians are available 24/7 and can get your car back on the road in no time.
