Driver Told to Replace Front and Rear Brakes at Firestone—$900 Quote Sparks Online Outrage

A man shared his experience getting a brake inspection at a Firestone store on TikTok. He said his rear brakes were rated "zero and one," while his front brakes were rated "three and four." According to him, the staff advised against continuing to drive the vehicle based on these ratings and quoted him approximately $900 for replacing both front and rear brakes. He also planned to replace two tires during the same visit, bringing the estimated total cost close to $1,400. The man noted that although the cost was high, he appreciated the store’s transparent itemized quote. His video has since garnered over 2,700 views. In reality, the numerical rating system used by the shop isn’t a standardized industry practice but rather a simplified method some repair shops use to visually communicate remaining brake pad life to customers. Typically, new brake pads measure about 10 to 12 millimeters in thickness, and most shops recommend replacement once they wear down to 3 millimeters or less. The man’s rear brake ratings of “zero and one” suggest his pads were near or at the wear limit; continued use could lead to metal-on-metal contact, damaging the rotors and significantly increasing repair costs. Front brakes usually wear faster than rear ones because they handle more braking force, though actual wear also depends on driving habits and road conditions. In the comments section, many users argued that the $900 quote seemed excessive, pointing out that doing the brake job oneself could drastically reduce costs. Some mentioned that certain auto parts stores even offer tool loan programs. Others noted that even without opting for DIY repairs, similar services elsewhere typically cost no more than $500, questioning the fairness of Firestone’s pricing.