Pick a job, then adjust the parts price, labor time and your local shop’s hourly rate. The calculator compares doing it yourself with paying a shop, using the lower parts price we found at AutoZone or Advance Auto Parts. Every number is editable; the defaults are assumptions, not quotes.
How the calculator works
DIY cost is the parts price plus any tools you have to buy. Shop cost is the parts price with the shop’s markup, plus labor hours times the hourly rate. The parts prices come from our dated price checks. The labor times are typical estimates we assume for each job, and the $130 hourly rate and 30% parts markup are placeholders: shop rates vary a lot by region and type of shop, so enter the numbers from your own quote.
Ways to make DIY cheaper
- Borrow specialty tools from AutoZone’s Loan-A-Tool (up to 90 days) or Advance’s loaner program (up to 45 days) instead of buying them.
- Use free installs where offered: Advance lists free battery and wiper installation with purchase.
- Check the current deals before buying parts.
Assumptions you should check
Labor times are typical for a common car with easy access; some vehicles take much longer. Prices are before tax, shop supplies fees and disposal fees. Brakes are a safety system: if you are unsure, use a professional. See our DIY brake pad cost guide.
Frequently asked questions
Usually. With the pad prices we found, the parts cost $37 to $86 per axle; a shop adds labor at its hourly rate and often a parts markup. Enter your shop’s quote above to see the difference.Is it cheaper to replace brake pads yourself?
They are our typical estimates for each job on an easy-access car, shown so you can change them. Shops use commercial labor guides that may list more or less time for your vehicle.Where do the labor times come from?
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We compare auto parts on published specs, warranty terms and dated store prices, and we link every store policy to its official page. We do not run a lab, so we never claim hands-on tests we did not do. About us · How we compare · Editorial policy