New Brakes, 1998 Honda Civic EX Sedan

When it's time for new brakes (rotors, pads, drums, shoes, etc.), does it
matter if I go to the dealer or if I go to a chains like Midas or
Wearmaster?

P.S. I understand that I "must" go to the dealer for electrical concerns
regarding my brakes.

 

the quality of the pads used by the dealer is much higher, but for very
similar cost. any "saving" from a chain is simply not worth it.

 

jim is correct, to an extent. There is an INCREDIBLE mark-up on brakes. I
would go to a Meineke before a Midas, or find a local shop if you want to
save a few $$$, and tell them if they get the parts from CarQuest or
AutoZone NOT to use the Chinese stuff (unless you really want to save some
money; if you had said *88* Civic I'd use the Chinese stuff...)

But labor rates are evening up. OEM parts cost more, but are the same as
what you're used to, and taking it to the dealer means someone that knows
your car.

Hope this didn't confuse you more!!

 

Why? Do people like myself and others who drive an '88 Civic not need
quality brakes? I recently did my brakes using Brembo rotors and Akebono
ceramic pads. They work great and they should keep doing so for years to
come.

Eric

 

You made good choices there Eric!
Akebono is often superior to the OE.

--
Heaven is where the police are British, the chefs Italian, the mechanics
German, the lovers French and it is all organized by the Swiss.

Hell is where the police are German, the chefs British, the mechanics
French, the lovers Swiss and it is all organized by Italians.

http://new.photos.yahoo.com/paul1cart/albums/

 

Ooops...OK! I stand corrected!

I should say I live in lovely, rusty New England, and by the time Jap cars
are that old, they are pretty rusted unless they have been garaged and
maintained impeccibly. Not many are, but there are a few! Even my
'85 Corolla GTS, impeccibly maintained (but never garaged) is returning to
the elements in my back yard.

My Mom's '86 Camry is in good shape, garaged all the time, but still
rusting.

I was basing my statement on cars like my $250 Celica I bought a few years
ago. Put Chinese rotos and mid-grade pads and had no problems.