Auto maintenance is important both for your safety and for retaining the value of your car. Your brake maintenance is probably one of the most important types of auto repairs you will do. According to Cars.com, the average auto repair bill is about $500 to $600. You really must look at these expenses as investments into the safety and value of your car, though. Let's look at a few factors that can influence the cost of brake repair.

Model and Year of Vehicle

As with most vehicle repairs, the model and year of your vehicle will have a huge impact on the costs of repairs. This is often due to the availability of parts. Certain model vehicles will have parts that are more readily available than others. The model and year of the vehicle may also have an impact on how easy it is to find mechanics with the skills to work on your particular car.

Extent of Damage

When repairs are ignored, the damage can get significantly worse over time. This is why it is always recommended that you handle brake repair and other types of maintenance as soon as possible. This way, one small problem doesn't turn into a bigger problem.

Damage to brakes can also be affected by driving habits. If you are an aggressive driver and harsh on the brakes, it will cause more problems. You will also notice that your brakes need repair more often. All of this can add up and affect the cost of brake repair.

Brake Pad Materials

There are different types of materials that are used for brake pads. The type of material will be dependent on the type of car and the manufacturer's recommendations. If you are on a very tight budget, you can talk with a local mechanic about more affordable options for brake repair. However, you should be aware that if a certain type of brake is recommended for your vehicle, you may need to use that type even if it is more expensive. If you use the wrong one, it could cause further damage, which would just cost you more money in the long run.

Don't neglect your brakes. They're vital to your safety. If you are in need of brake repairs or any other vehicle maintenance, please contact Georgetown Interstate Transmission & Auto Repair today.