Why Do I Need to Pay for a Brake Inspection?

July 24, 2024

Why Do I Need to Pay for a Brake Inspection?

When you call a shop asking for a price on brakes, there's a lot more we need to know before we can give you an accurate quote. As a shop, our main goal is to ensure your safety and provide the best service possible. This often starts with asking a few questions to understand your situation better:

1. Front or Rear Brakes? - Different cars and issues require different parts and labor.
2. Pads, Rotors, Calipers? - Knowing what parts you might need helps us prepare and provide an accurate quote.
3. What Are You Experiencing? - Strange noises, vibrations, or poor braking performance can indicate different problems.

Here is a Real-Life Example

Recently, a European vehicle came to us for a second opinion after another shop inspected it. The customer had asked for a price over the phone, but without seeing the car, we couldn't provide an accurate quote.

When we inspected the car, we found uneven wear on the brake pads and a caliper issue that the other shop missed. If we had just replaced the pads and rotors without an inspection, the customer would have faced the same issue in a month or two, leading to more repairs and costs.

Why Inspections Are Crucial

Our main concern is your safety. An inspection allows us to identify all issues, not just the obvious ones. This approach ensures that:

- You avoid unnecessary repairs.
- We address all problems, preventing future breakdowns.
- Your vehicle remains safe and reliable.

Wayside Garage's Process

Every shop has its process, and here's ours:

1. Comprehensive Inspection - We thoroughly inspect your vehicle to identify all potential issues.
2. Detailed Report - We provide a report detailing what needs to be fixed and why.
3. Expert Technicians - Our certified technicians ensure that the job is done right the first time.

Yes, there's a cost for the inspection, but it’s an investment in your vehicle’s health and your safety. Throwing parts at a problem without understanding it can lead to bigger issues and higher costs down the road.

Give us a call at Wayside Garage at (831)-899-2425 if you have any questions about pricing or would like us to inspect your vehicle.

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ARE MY BRAKES SAFE?

By Stacey Diaz • October 14, 2025

October is more than just pumpkin patches and crisp fall air. For many families in Monterey, it's also the start of darker evenings, wetter roads, and more time on the road. That’s why October is the perfect time to think about one of the most important safety features on your vehicle: your brakes. At Wayside Garage, we participate in the Brakes for Breasts campaign every October. It's not just about brake repair — it’s about raising awareness, supporting breast cancer research, and keeping our community safe on the roads. ________________________________________ What Are the Signs Your Brakes Might Need Attention? Your brakes are your first line of defense in an emergency. If you’re noticing any of these symptoms, it’s time to get your brakes checked: • Squealing or grinding noises • A soft or “spongy” brake pedal • Car pulling to one side when braking • Vibration or shaking when you press the brakes • Increased stopping distance Ignoring these signs can lead to expensive repairs down the road — or worse, a serious accident. We always say: if it feels off, bring it in. ________________________________________ Why Brake Inspections Matter More in Fall With more rain, shorter days, and holiday travel ahead, your brakes are under more stress in the fall. At Wayside Garage, we see an uptick in emergency brake repairs this time of year — many of which could have been avoided with a quick inspection. Our certified technicians will perform a comprehensive brake check, looking at: • Brake pads and rotors • Brake fluid level and condition • Brake lines and hoses • Calipers and hardware And if you’re part of our Wayside Garage Maintenance Plan, your brake inspections are included with your scheduled services. That’s one more reason to stay on track with routine care. ________________________________________ Brakes for Breasts: Repair With a Purpose Every October, we join auto shops nationwide for the Brakes for Breasts campaign. Here’s how it works at Wayside Garage: • You get free brake pads (you only pay for labor and any additional parts if needed). • We donate 10% of the brake job to the Cleveland Clinic Breast Cancer Vaccine Fund. It’s a meaningful way to protect your family on the road while supporting groundbreaking research that could change lives. ________________________________________ Why Choose Wayside Garage for Brake Service? We know you have options when it comes to brake repair in Monterey. So why do so many drivers trust us? • Family-owned and operated since 1946 • ASE-certified technicians who care about doing it right • Honest inspections and clear explanations • Free digital vehicle health reports • A shop built on integrity, hospitality, and professionalism When you bring your vehicle to us, you're not just another ticket — you're part of the Wayside Garage family. ________________________________________ Schedule Your Brake Inspection Today October is the best time to have your brakes checked — and support a great cause while you're at it. Whether you’re noticing a problem or just want peace of mind before the holidays, give us a call or schedule an appointment online. Let's keep your vehicle — and your community — safe this fall.