By Russ Hilliard
•
January 25, 2026
A Spicy Truth Before We Start πΆοΈ If stopping your car were optional, we’d all be driving on $20 brake pads. But since brakes are the one system on your vehicle whose entire job is keeping you alive, this is one of those times where cheaper doesn’t mean smarter — it just means cheaper. We hear it all the time at Tires Too: “I can buy brake pads online for $20. Why is a brake job $750?” Fair question. On the surface, both options involve… well… brake pads. But that’s kind of like asking why a frozen pizza costs $4 and dinner at a great restaurant costs $40. They’re both technically pizza — but the experience, quality, and outcome are very different. Let’s break it down. What You Get for $20: Just Brake Pads When you buy bargain brake pads online or at a big-box store, you’re usually getting: Pads only (no hardware, no resurfacing, no inspection) Unknown quality materials (often harder compounds that wear faster or make noise) No warranty if they squeal, shake, or chew up your rotors No safety check of the rest of the braking system And most importantly… No one installing them correctly unless you’re a trained technician with the right tools Brake pads don’t stop your car by themselves. They rely on rotors, calipers, brake fluid, slide pins, shims, sensors, and proper torque specs — all working together. What You Get at Tires Too: A Complete Brake System Service When Tires Too performs a brake job, you’re not buying “pads.” You’re investing in safe, reliable stopping power. Here’s what that includes: π§ Professional Diagnosis We inspect the entire brake system, not just the pads We check rotors, calipers, hoses, hardware, fluid condition, and wear patterns We confirm why your brakes need service — not just that they do π§± High-Quality Parts Vehicle-specific brake pads designed for quiet operation, long life, and proper stopping performance New hardware kits to prevent noise and uneven wear Rotors that are resurfaced or replaced to meet factory specifications π Skilled Installation Performed by trained technicians who do this every day Proper cleaning, lubrication, and torque procedures Electronic parking brake service (when required) Road testing to ensure everything feels right π§ͺ Safety & Longevity Checks Brake fluid condition checked (and flushed if needed) Caliper movement verified Slide pins serviced to prevent premature failure π‘ Warranty & Peace of Mind Warranty-backed parts and labor If there’s noise, vibration, or a concern — we take care of it No guessing. No second-guessing. No YouTube tutorials at midnight. The Hidden Cost of Cheap Brake Jobs That $20 set of pads can quickly turn into: $400 rotors ruined by poor-quality friction material Squealing, grinding, or pulsation Uneven braking or longer stopping distances Redoing the job… properly… later Brakes are not the place to experiment. So Why the Price Difference? The $750 brake job isn’t just about parts. You’re paying for: Experience Accountability Correct tools and equipment Time spent doing it right Your safety — and everyone else’s on the road At Tires Too, we don’t fix cars. We keep your life in seamless motion. And when it comes to brakes, that means making sure your vehicle stops the way it was engineered to — every time. Still Have Questions? If you’re comparing options or want to understand exactly what your vehicle needs, stop by or give us a call. We’re always happy to explain — no pressure, no jargon, just honest answers. Tires Too Londonderry, NH FAQ: Brake Jobs, Pricing, and Safety (Straight Answers) Why does a brake job cost $600–$900? A professional brake job includes more than pads. At Tires Too, pricing reflects a full system inspection, high-quality vehicle-specific parts, precision installation, rotor service, safety checks, and a warranty. You’re paying for reliability, safety, and work done right the first time. Can I bring my own brake pads to Tires Too? No. We do not install customer-supplied brake parts. Here’s why: We can’t verify the quality, fitment, or safety of parts purchased elsewhere Many low-cost pads don’t meet factory specifications Customer-supplied parts don’t allow us to offer a warranty Mixing unknown parts with professional labor increases the risk of noise, vibration, premature wear, or brake failure To stand behind our work — and protect your safety — we only use parts we trust and can warranty. Are cheap brake pads dangerous? They can be. Low-quality pads may increase stopping distance, create excessive noise, wear out rotors faster, or overheat. Brakes are a safety system, not a convenience item. What’s included in a Tires Too brake service? Our brake services typically include system inspection, premium pads and hardware, rotor resurfacing or replacement to spec, proper lubrication and torque procedures, road testing, and warranty-backed parts and labor. How long do professional brake jobs last? With quality parts and proper installation, most brake jobs last significantly longer and perform more consistently than bargain installations — often saving money over time. Local Brake Repair You Can Trust in Londonderry, NH Tires Too proudly provides professional brake repair and maintenance for drivers in Londonderry, Derry, Windham, Chester, and Manchester, NH. Our focus isn’t speed or shortcuts — it’s doing the job correctly so you can drive with confidence. If you’re searching for brake repair near me, brake replacement Londonderry NH, or trusted brake service in southern New Hampshire, we’re here to help. $20 Brake Pads vs $600–$900 Brake Job | Tires Too Londonderry NH Why cheap brake pads aren’t the same as a professional brake job. Learn what’s included in a $600–$900 brake service at Tires Too in Londonderry, NH — safety, quality, and peace of mind.