Hi guys, i was wondering if i can get some of you to chime in on this. I'm not a mechanic but i like to do some basic maintenance things myself to save money and get better performance. Unfortunately I live in an apartment so for the past few years i have been taking my car to the shop to get the brakes\rotors done however I am starting to get curious if this is a wise decision. Below is a history of the maintenance i have done on my brakes since i bought the car. take a look.

40,612 Miles 06\09\2010
Front Brakes replaced
Rotors Milled
$165.85 (supposedly got a great deal from a friend or whatever)

47,087 Miles 12\20\2010
Rear Brakes replaced
Rotors replaced
$191.24

70,123 Miles 11\27\2012
Front Brakes replaced (replaced them myself)
Rotors replaced (replaced them myself)
$160.32 (Autozone)

So Now the rear brakes are actually long due for replacement as i have been told by Jiffy lube, and 2 other mechanics. The front brakes that i replaced myself in 2012 seem to still be going strong according to the same people. I am suspicious that the shops are using very cheap pads and rotors thus explaining the short lifespan on the first replacement of the front brakes lasting just under 3 years and about 30,000 miles. The rear brakes lasted a little longer at 37,000 and a little over 3 years but i think it is because i held out longer getting them replaced so it is close to the same thing.

So here is my dilemma I have been thinking about buying some Hawk Luxury performance pads and Hawk rotors as well. Looks like i am going to spend about $230 to do the rear. It is more expensive and i do have to do all the work myself so it seems like a lose, lose situation.. However..... If i put quality Pads and rotors certainly i will get better performance but more importantly to me should i expect more lifespan than what i have previously experienced? or is adding quality pads\rotors more of just a performance thing? I'm really asking cause it can be a pain to borrow a friends driveway and find the time to do this but if it lasts twice as long to me its worth it. What do you think???

 

I use hawk hps pads and premium local shop rotors.
probably just would buy the local shop premium ceramic pads if I had to do it again.
hawk doesnt come with the clips and everything.

my hps lasted me exactly 60 000 miles. they brake well.

and yes, the shop probably put ****ty econo pads on your car.

 

Say what now, Hawk doesn't even give you the clips? that kinda sucks, i guess i can get them at the local autozone if they sell them like that. 60K would be great if i can get that kinda life out of my pads. Can i ask you how your driving habits are? Thanks for the post much appreciated

 

I second the premium ceramic pads. Recently put Napa OE Ceramic pads on my fronts and had them machine the rotors. I'm only 5k miles into the brakes but they are flawless. No noise, low dust, etc. I love them!

 

dont machine rotors.