Lifetime brake guarantees?

Some brake shops will say they offer lifetime guaranteed brake pads which means they will replace them free of charge except for the labor for as long as you own the car. I got brakes at Monroe Muffler and Brake that were guaranteed this way and they still charged me $90 labor to install the brakes. I got brakes under the same warranty 2 and a half years ago and they charged me $40 for labor. A new set of brake pads is no more than $100 installed. Actually I don't feel this lifetime brake guarantee really saves much and seems more like a scam. Should the cost have gone from $40 to $90 to install these brakes in only 2 and a half years? Are these lifetime guarantee brake pads being offered really worth it or are they just making it sound good?|||You are correct. Most people take a shortcut and say "lifetime brake guarantee" and think it covers everything, when in reality, only the brake pads have a lifetime guarantee. Except for brake fluid, the brake pads are just about the cheapest part of a brake job. Sometimes the pads are the only thing that is needed. For many cars, a front set of pads costs around $30 for parts.


The next time you come back for brake work, you will likely need a new rotor (probably around $60) and/or a new caliper (around $100). When you have to pay to get these other items replaced, it isn't a big deal for the shop to throw in a free set of brake pads that probably only cost them $20. But it got you to come back to their shop for more work - and more revenue for them. This isn't anything against Monroe Muffler. I have never used them, but most auto repair shops work as you described.


Considering that many dealers get over $100/hour and a brake job takes nearly an hour, the $40 price sounds like a bargain. Local market conditions could have easily raised the price of labor to $90 in 2 years. |||Scam! Last answer correct. They buy the pads for maybe 20 dollars. If you DIY and do drum brakes, buy a "spring kit" also. Either disc or drum seem tough at first but especially with drum, if you stare at them long enough the puzzle can be solved. USE wheel stands, buy bandages and brake clean in an aerosol can. Drum brakes easier with cheap brake tool. Odds are a C clamp big enough will be needed. My rear disc pistons screw in with socket attachment instead of push in. Try library for free ALL DATA access or CHILTON Or repair manuals by CHILTON.|||Lifetime brake pad guarantees are not worth it. What is worth it is to learn how to change your own brake pads. I do this for everyone in my family and have saved hundreds of dollars. Good brake pads cost $40.00 max for both front or both rear and to do a full 4 corner brake pad change for someone with a little know how and a few basic tools can be done in 2 hours max.


Lifetime brake warantees will get you into the shop once a year so they can also look around and tell you that you need other unnecessary work as well. Have you ever gone to get your oil changed and they say that you need an air filter change? This job takes 5 minutes max and they charge $35-$40 to change and the filter is only $5. Most auto shops are shady in their business practices but you can find people who do auto work on the side for half the price as a commercial mechanic and get better/more reliable work.