Replacing car brakes: warning signs, cost and what to consider

What does a brake job include?

Most cars have disc brakes at the front and disc or drum brakes at the rear. The parts that wear are mainly the brake pads and brake discs. Pads are replaced more often, while discs are replaced when they are too thin, scored or warped.

A brake job may also include changing the brake fluid, sticking brake callipers, brake hoses or the parking brake. The workshop should always replace parts equally on both sides of the same axle.

Signs that the brakes need attention

• Squealing or grinding noises when you brake
• Vibrations in the steering wheel or brake pedal
• The car pulls to one side when braking
• The brake pedal feels soft or travels a long way down
• A warning light for the brakes or brake pad wear comes on
• Longer braking distance than usual

If the pedal goes to the floor or braking performance deteriorates sharply, do not keep driving. Have the car towed to the workshop.

What affects the price?

The cost depends on the car model and the scope of the work. Ask for a quote with itemised parts and labour.

• Whether only the pads are replaced or the discs as well
• Front or rear axle, or both
• Electric parking brake that requires a diagnostic tool
• Sticking callipers or rusty components
• Choice of original parts or equivalent branded parts

Brake replacement does not qualify for ROT or RUT deductions.

Safety and inspection

The brakes are checked at the periodic vehicle inspection, and serious defects can lead to a fail or a driving ban. The inspection rules are set by the Swedish Transport Agency (Transportstyrelsen). Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time and should be changed according to the manufacturer's service schedule, as moist fluid can reduce braking performance under heavy load.

What should the quote include?

• Which parts are replaced and on which axle
• Brand or quality of pads and discs
• Labour cost or a fixed price
• Whether a brake fluid change is included
• Test drive and check after the work
• Warranty on parts and labour

Your rights as a consumer

The Consumer Services Act (Konsumenttjänstlagen) applies to car repairs. The workshop must carry out the work professionally and contact you before any additional work that was not part of the job. An approximate price may not be exceeded by more than 15 per cent. Feel free to ask for the old parts back so you can see the wear. In the event of a dispute, you can turn to Hallå konsument and the National Board for Consumer Disputes (ARN).

Questions to ask and common mistakes

Ask the workshop whether they measure disc thickness, whether they clean and lubricate the callipers and whether they replace pads and discs in pairs per axle.

Common mistakes are waiting until it is metal grinding on metal, which ruins the discs, replacing parts on one side only and forgetting the brake fluid. New pads also need bedding in. Follow the workshop's advice and avoid hard braking for the first few miles if possible.

Get quotes for brake work via Fixtorget

Describe your car and the symptoms you have noticed. Up to four workshops can contact you. You can see whether the company is verified by Fixtorget and has reviewed liability insurance, and the price can be locked in a cost specification that you approve in the portal.

Frequently asked questions