When it comes to your safety on the road, your brakes are non-negotiable. Beware of shops that advertise cheap brake jobs that cut corners to keep prices low — that can lead to bigger problems later on. Your brakes aren’t just another maintenance item — they’re your first line of defense on the road. When corners are cut, performance and safety are compromised.
Here are five of the most common shortcuts we see in the industry — and why you’ll never have to worry about them when you bring your vehicle to us.
- Skipping Rotor Replacement
Some shops replace only the brake pads and ignore the rotors. Commonly referred to as “pad slapping”. This practice can cause vibrations, unevenly worn rotors, squeaking, and faster pad wear — so you end up paying twice for what should’ve been one repair.
We always replace pads and rotors for smooth, reliable stops.
- Using “Bargain” Brake Pads
Cheap brake pads often mean noisy brakes, faster wear, and reduced stopping power — especially in Ohio’s variable weather conditions.
We use high-quality, OEM-grade or better brake pads, giving you consistent performance and longer life between services.
- Rushing the Job and Skipping Lubrication
Brake systems have moving parts that must stay clean and lubricated to work correctly. Skipping this step can cause sticking calipers, uneven wear, or pulling to one side when you brake.
Our technicians clean, lubricate, and inspect every brake service before your vehicle leaves the shop.
- Ignoring Brake Fluid Health
Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, which reduces braking efficiency and corrodes internal components. Many discount brake jobs never test or replace it.
We always test your brake fluid and recommend flushing it when needed to maintain proper hydraulic pressure and extend your system’s life.
- Skipping the Final Test Drive
Testing the brakes under real conditions — leaves less potential for undiscovered issues.
At our shop, every brake job ends with a test drive and quality check to ensure your vehicle stops safely and smoothly.
Need a brake service you can trust?
Drivers from all across central Ohio choose Jan Wilkerson Auto Care for reliable, long-lasting repairs.
We treat every brake job like we’re working on our own family’s car — with honesty, precision, and care you can count on.
