Updated June 11, 2025
The quality of the parts used on a vehicle can play a large role in how it runs.
Brakes are no exception.
Some drivers may opt for cheap brakes. While this choice may save them a few bucks in the meantime, they could lead to a few problems.
How cheap brakes impact vehicles
We don’t recommend using cheap brakes for a number of reasons.
First of all, they can promote noise, vibrations, and road symptoms — such as rapid wear. These issues might not seem concerning initially, but you will eventually need to address them.
The Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) is another factor to consider. ADAS is programmed to have a certain amount of braking force and the computers know when the brakes are cold or hot.
If you replace them with inferior parts, the control systems can be affected in an emergency situation. They may not grab as hard or they could have too much of a fade, impacting the safety of those in the car.
Drivers could see more brake dust, as well. Cheap brakes are going to throw brake dust all over the wheels – so much so that it can turn a silver wheel black.
After the warranty is up, high quality brakes tend to last much longer and come with fewer symptoms than cheaper ones.
You may not see a difference between the two when you pull out of the auto shop parking lot. What you will notice is the value retention on the more expensive brakes is going to hold its weight.
Brake wear indicators
Brakes are one of the parts checked during the Virginia State Inspection. The minimum Virginia State Safety recommendations is no less than 2/32 of an inch.
Depending on the make and model of the vehicle and your driving conditions, it’s a good idea to start changing your brakes around 3/32 of an inch to 4/32 of an inch. For some vehicles, the manufacturer’s recommendation could be higher.
Brake rotors should be changed with a brake job because most of the rotors on today’s vehicles wear down. Rotors need to be able to dissipate heat so you don’t get a pulsation or vibration type feeling in the steering wheel and brake pedal. That pulsation symptom can impact the ADAS system.
Some indications you may need a brake job are grinding noises and brake pedal pulsation. You may also notice a low pedal or a high end squeak noises, which could be the pad low indicator rubbing on the brake rotor.
Keep in mind, if it has rained or been humid recently, you may notice squeaking when you first start braking early in the morning. If it goes away after you’ve pressed on the brake a couple times, it’s most likely a little bit of rust built up due to the humidity or the brake rotors being wet.
At HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire, part of our inspection process during our oil change is to do a visual inspection of the brakes to see if they’re getting low or if we notice any other problems.
We look into any warning lights and performance problems, as well. The brakes on a GMC Sierra were locking up and glowing red. One of our technicians learned that the brake pads and rotors were burnt.
Many of the vehicles today have electronically controlled components, such as steering and brake callipers, that can hide some of the normal symptoms you would notice in older cars.
HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Michelin and BFGoodrich tire dealer located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.