Back in 2013, Autobutler conducted a price check on all the brake jobs that were put out to tender among the affiliated garages. The results showed back then that as a car owner one could save 31 percent on the bill from the garage by choosing the cheapest rather than the most expensive quote.
To help you long, we have calculated the average price on brake jobs for Nissan, conducted at workshops affiliated with Autobutler:
| Compare and save* | You save on average* | |
|---|---|---|
| £70 | 23% | |
| Save on average* | ||
| £70 / 23% |
The calculation is based on all quotes for brake replacement for Nissan that have been sent to Autobutler's user. Using Autobutler, you know the price before you take the car to the workshop. Through us, you will always receive a detailed description of the scope of the service and thereby an increased assurance that you will choose the right garage.
Issues with your car’s brakes
At various car websites, you can often read articles on various functions that different car parts have and how important it is that the engine is not missing engine oil or that the timing belt is so worn that it risks snapping while driving.
You could easily get the idea that all parts and functions of a car are equally important. And yet not, because if there is a matter where safety and the operational ability can not be emphasised enough, then it is the brakes of a car.
When you drive your Nissan for servicing, the mechanic will conduct an inspection of your brakes. But this will only be a visual inspection, unless otherwise agreed.
Professional inspection of the brakes of a Nissan
The mechanic looks behind the rim to check to see how worn the brakes look and when compared with how the car reacts when it is driven onto the lift, the mechanic can with his experience quickly assess the condition of the brakes.
Since it is only a matter of a visual inspection, it is important that you keep an eye out yourself on a daily basis, to see if the car’s braking system suddenly starts reacting differently. If you experience irregularities or you suspect something might be wrong with the brakes on your Nissan, you should immediately contact a workshop. Here, a brake inspection is carried out that indicates whether a cleaning, lubrication and/or adjustment of the brakes is possibly required.
It is recommended to use a workshop, where your Nissan can drive up on a so-called roller brake tester, so the mechanic can check the car brakes evenly on all four wheels.
Brake replacement - learn to understand the quote
When you get a quote for a brake replacement, this will usually appear as a total price covering work hours as well as spare parts. If you are comparing several quotes, you should always check to see if the garage has calculated that both the brake plate, caliper as well as brake discs and pads should be replaced.
If it turns out that for example only the pads and possibly the discs need to be replaced, then it is a minor task and will impact the work hours needed. Replacement of the car’s brake pipes are rarely included in the garage’s standard quote. It is rare that they need to be replaced, but just to be on the safe side ask the mechanic to check that the pipes are as they should be.
If it turns out to be a major job where the brakes, including brake pipes and brake fluid, all have to be replaced, this will quickly add up some hours to the bill. This is one of the main reasons that you should always check beforehand what is included in the task and subsequently compare quotesand hourly rates from the different workshops.
Is it time to replace my car’s brakes?
It is important to have the brakes on your Nissan serviced with regular intervals. How often the brakes need to be replaced depends among other things on your driving habits and style. It is rougher on the brakes if for example you mostly drive in the city where frequent braking at traffic lights etc. happen.
Pretty much all cars nowadays have a brake wear indicator that wears when driving. When the brake pads are about to need replacement, a wire is exposed that activates a warning light on the car’s dashboard. When the warning light is on, it is time to have the brake replaced.
Another indicator that the brake pads are worn is if the braking seems ‘uneven’ or if there is a whistling sound when you are braking. Both are usually signs that the brake pads are in urgent need of a replacement.
Finally, a brake pedal that can be stepped further and further down before the brakes are activated is also a warning sign that the brake pads are worn and not working properly.
Protect your brakes
By being aware and adjusting your driving habits, you might be able to have your brakes last considerably longer. Below are two good tips on how to ultimately save both money and the hassle of replacing brake pads too often.
- Use the car’s neutral gear
The lower the speed of the car when braking, the less the wear on the car’s brake system. You can therefore put the car in neutral, and roll to where you need to do a stop.
- Busyness wears on the brakes
If you are often far too busy when you are on the road, this will for sure affect your driving. In contrast to the description above, you will most likely come to a stop at full speed and only brake at the last minute. Instead, get on the road in good time. This increases road safety but also wears way less on your brakes.
