What Is a Complete Brake Job on a Car?

When you’re driving along, there’s one thing you absolutely depend on to keep yourself, your passengers, and everyone else on the road safe: your brakes. They’re not just a convenience; they’re your main safety net. It’s what lets you control your speed, keep a safe distance, and stop in an instant to avoid a crash. We all know it: good brakes are non-negotiable.

But what happens when that very important system starts to act up? You might not even hear a loud screech right away. You just know something’s not quite right, but you can’t pinpoint it. That’s when the questions start popping into your head: “How do I even know if my brakes need attention before it becomes a huge issue?” or “How do I know if I need a brake job on my car?”

We’ll talk about that in today’s blog. We’ll also discuss what a complete brake job actually means, so you’ll be well-informed when you talk to your mechanic. At More Cash For Scrap, that’s just one more way to we provide MORE customer service, even when you’re not scrapping your car with us!

How Do You Know If Your Brakes Need Replacing?

Some signs are easy to spot. Ever heard that metallic screech cuts right through the usual hum of your morning commute the second you hit the brake pedal? Or maybe it’s a strange grinding feeling, a squishy resistance, or even just a slight change in how your car slows down. Those are the classic signs that your car’s brakes are crying out for some attention.

But it’s not always obvious. Sometimes, it’s just a subtle difference – a feeling that’s off, like a gut instinct about your car. Maybe the pedal feels a little softer or sinks lower than it used to, or you have to press it a bit harder just to get the same stopping power. But beyond those direct sensations, there are some other common signs that you need to keep an eye out (and an ear open!) for.

Where to Sell a Scrap Car that Needs Brake Replacement

More Cash For Scrap is a scrap car removal company that’s been buying cars throughout the Lower Mainland since 2005. So, we know from our years of experience when a vehicle has reached its expiration date.

If you have a vehicle that needs a complete brake job, coupled with other issues, you may want to consider scrapping it instead of fixing it. Give our scrap car removal team a quick call today and find out if junk car removal is a more viable option than costly repairs.

Signs and Symptoms your Brakes are Failing

Your safety on the road greatly depends on how well your brakes are working. And while regular maintenance helps, your brakes can still signal trouble.

You might be wondering, “How do I know if I need brakes on my car?”. Don’t worry, because you’re not alone. Many BC residents ask themselves the same thing when driving an aging vehicle, or one with high mileage.

Well, here are the common warning signs you should watch (and listen!) for:

1. A Brake Light Pops On Your Dashboard

Modern cars are smart and use dashboard lights to warn you. They have indicators for thin brake pads, low brake fluid, or an engaged/faulty parking brake. (Always check your owner’s manual for what these specific lights mean for your vehicle!)

Combine with loss of braking power, vibrations, or squealing, and it would be a good idea to have your brakes checked by a professional. Especially if you live in a place famous for hills like North Vancouver, Port Moody, Coquitlam, or New Westminster.

2. Squealing or Squeaking Noises

Do you hear a high-pitched sound when you brake? It’s often your brake pads’ “wear indicators” letting you know they’re getting low.

Sometimes it’s just a pebble or moisture, and during hot summer months, like the one we are currently experiencing, it can be caused by excessive dust and debris. However, it’s always a good idea to have your brakes checked at the first sign of noise. Failing to do so could mean a larger mechanic’s bill later.

3. Grinding Noises

If you hear a harsh, metal-on-metal grinding sound, don’t ignore it. It’s serious. It means your brake pads are completely worn, and the metal is scraping against your rotors. Get this inspected immediately to avoid more expensive damage, or worse, a collision.

If you’ve already missed the mark on getting your brakes checked and have suffered collision damage as a result, don’t worry because we pay MORE cash for scrap cars with collision damage in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley as well.

4. Wobbling, Vibrating, or Pulsing When Braking

If your steering wheel or car shakes, vibrates, or pulses when you brake, it usually points to uneven or warped brake rotors. These need to be smoothed out or simply replaced. And when your rotors are gone, your brake pads usually go with them. Both of which add a hefty price to your bill at the mechanic’s.

Even our friends at Budge Brake and Muffler in Surrey will tell you that when your vehicle has reached a certain age, which certain mileage, and other mechanical problems, it might be a better idea to consider scrap car removal with More Cash For Scrap.

5. Leaking Fluid

See clear to yellowish, oily puddles under your car, especially near the wheels? That could be brake fluid. Leaks mean reduced braking power and are a serious safety concern.

Not only that, but leaking fluids can be harmful to pets and people, and even contaminate nearby water sources when camping or spending time at the lake, as many do during hot summer months in British Columbia.

6. Spongy or Soft Brakes

If your brake pedal feels mushy, sinks too easily, or goes almost to the floor, it could mean air/moisture in your brake lines or an issue with the master cylinder. Your braking effectiveness is compromised.

7. Car Pulling to One Side When Braking

If your vehicle consistently pulls left or right when you hit the brakes, it might mean one brake is working harder than the other.

Whether it’s a malfunctioning shoe, faulty caliper, or even defective sway bar or axle, it’s best to have inspected as soon as possible to avoid a catastrophic situation.

8. Burning Smells

A sharp, chemical burning smell after braking, especially downhill, indicates overheated brakes (brake fade). If this happens, pull over safely and let them cool. Smoke means a potentially stuck caliper – don’t drive on it!

If you notice any of these signs, it’s your car’s way of asking for help. You need to get your brakes inspected immediately. Your safety depends on it!

What Does A Complete Brake Job on a Car Include?

Usually, a complete brake job becomes necessary when your car really starts to tell you something’s wrong with its brakes. We’re talking about those persistent grinding noises. But also when your brake pedal feels all mushy and sinks to the floor.

You may even notice that it’s taking way longer to stop than it used to. Well, if any of the signs we talked about are noticeable it’s basically when more than one part of your braking system is acting up, and it needs a full refresh, not just a quick fix on one small thing.

A complete brake job typically includes the following:

• Replacing Brake Pads and Shoes
• Rotor and Drum Resurfacing/Replacement
• Brake Line Bleeding
• System Inspection
• Parking Brake Adjustment
• Replacing Hardware, Wheel Cylinders, and Calipers

Yes, when your car needs a complete brake job, it’s more than just putting on some new pads. It’s a thorough overhaul designed to get your braking system back to its best. It’s to ensure that you can stop safely and reliably while driving.

How Much Does a Complete Brake Job Cost in Canada?

The cost can vary quite a bit depending on several factors like your vehicle’s make and model, and the type of parts used (OEM vs. aftermarket). And even where in Canada you get the work done affects the price too.

Generally, for a full brake job that includes replacing pads and rotors on one axle (two wheels), you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $900. If your car needs all four brakes done (both front and rear axles), the cost will, of course, be higher, often ranging from $800 to $1800 or more.

Basically, it’s the vehicle type, the quality of parts you choose, the labor costs, and the condition of the components that determines how much the complete brake job will be.

Cash for Scrap Cars that Need Brake Jobs

Sometimes, fixing your car’s brake issues – or a whole list of other problems – just isn’t worth the repair bill. You might be looking at an estimate from your mechanic and thinking, “Is it really worth pouring all this money into an old car?” Or maybe you’re just ready for something new, and this repair is the final push.

If the cost of fixing your car’s extensive brake problems (and anything else) is too much, or you’ve decided it’s time for a new ride, there’s a straightforward alternative: sell it for MORE cash.

MORE Cash For Scrap is the best scrap car removal for cars with failed braking systems in the Lower Mainland. We buy all kinds of cars with serious brake system problems that are no longer practical to repair. And we always pay MORE!

Not only that, we also give MORE cash offers for cars with engine problems, transmission issues, accident damage, or just general old-age wear and tear. Yes, no matter the condition, we’re ready to buy your scrap car for MORE cash.

Sell Your Problematic Car to Us Today!

You don’t have to deal with your problematic car anymore. You can easily get rid of it for MORE cash with us.

At MORE Cash for Cars, the selling process is very easy. Just give us a call or send us a text message at any time between 7:00 AM and 11:00 PM. We are available 7 days a week, even on most statutory holidays.

Simply provide us with your car’s make, model, exact year, and a brief description of its condition. Based on these, we will give you an instant cash offer over the phone. Whatever you’re selling, we promise to pay MORE. If you accept it, we will schedule a pickup date and time that works best for you.

Don’t worry if your car is no longer safe to drive because of its brake problems or other mechanical issues. Because our service comes with free towing. Plus, we provide MORE customer service and pay MORE cash for scrap cars than the other guys!