‘I'll Swap These Out:' Veteran Mechanic Performs Routine Job. Then He Issues a Controversial Warning About This Duralast Product

This mechanic says a routine job became a serious irritant after the customer gave him the brake pads they wanted him to put on their car.
My Mobile Mechanic (@mymobilemechanic978) responded by posting a controversial warning about Duralast Gold brake pads.
'It's not a good brand at all,' he says.
My Mobile Mechanic's TikTok has more than 82,000 views as of this writing.
What Does the Mechanic Dislike About Duralast Gold Brake Pads?
Having good brake pads is essential for safe driving. When brake pads are worn down, the risk of getting into an accident increases. This is why it's important to regularly replace your brake pads.
My Mobile Mechanic's customer was having issues with her brakes, so she bought Duralast Gold brake pads. She then called a mechanic to come to her residence to replace the pads. Once she handed them over, the mechanic was displeased by her selection.
The mechanic begins, 'For future reference, try to stay away from this brand. It's not a good brand at all. They don't last.' He elaborates that these brake pads squeak and chew up the rotors, and he overall believes the Duralast Gold brake pads are 'garbage.'
Despite his disapproval of the brake pads, the mechanic replaces the pads. He pops off the tire and swaps out the brake pads.
In conclusion, the mechanic offers a tip to the customer and viewers to stay away from Duralast Gold brake pads.
'I'm sorry, but these are the worst pads,' he posts.
Is This Controversial Warning Valid or Just Personal Preference?
Many commenters disagreed with the mechanic's warning against Duralast.
'Bro he's the first mechanic I've ever heard say that,' one TikToker commenter wrote.
'Use those pads all the time with no issues,' a second shared.
'Duralast gold is better than most must be you and personal preference,' another added.
Browsing online, many
forums
and
Reddit
posts speak highly of Duralast brake pads as well. The mechanic's warning becomes less convincing after digging a little deeper into the product reviews.
Brake pads will make this squeaky noise whenever they are worn down, which all brake pads inevitably become. Chewed-up rotors occur when metal-on-metal contact takes place when the brake pads are worn down and can no longer support braking. The damage will be shown as grooves on the rotors' surface, and the loud noise created notifies it's time for the brake pads to be
replaced
.
More on Brakes
Why Carbon-Ceramic Brakes Are Expensive. And Why They Might Be Worth It
Brake Dust Is a Problem. Brembo Has a Solution
So, for the mechanic to mention that Duralast Gold brake pads do this is valid. Having said that, most brake pads will have this happen once they are worn down. It appears to be a personal preference to avoid Duralast; however, the mechanic did not specify another alternative product to use.
It brings up the question: Was this video made just to get views and engagement? This content creator has over 157,000 TikTok followers and could have made this post to make viewers react. Making a controversial disapproval of a popular brand's product created discourse in the comments section, so if it was a play for engagement, it worked.
When to Change Your Brake Pads?
Being on top of brake maintenance and upkeep is a priority for any driver.
Kelley Blue Book
reports brake pads typically last 25,000-50,000 miles, depending on where you drive, your driving style, and other factors.
Any sign of worn-down brake pads needs to be addressed immediately. Here are a few signs that your brake pads may need to be replaced.
Grinding or squeaking sound
Vibration in the brake pedal when braking
Visible wear showing less than ¼ of an inch on brake pads
First, if you notice your car making a squeaking noise while driving in dry conditions, it's definitely time to replace them. This noise is created by the
wear indicator
on the brakes. This indicator is designed to grind against the rotor when the brake pads start to wear out, leading to the noise. This noise doesn't magically go away unless you replace the brake pads.
Second, if you feel any vibration or soft sponge feeling in the brake pedal when braking, this vibration or sponge feeling indicates uneven, worn-down pads or warped rotors. Feeling this vibration should not be ignored, as stopping the car will only get more difficult with time. Ignoring this increases the risk of accidents as braking is compromised.
Lastly, you can do a visual inspection of the brake pads. Once the tire is popped off, you'll want to look to see if the brake pads are less than ¼ of an inch thick. If the pads are less than ¼ of an inch, it's time to get them replaced.
Changing your brake pads can be done at home and can significantly save money. Brake pads typically cost around $40-50 at the store, while the mechanic's tab will be higher. According to
AAA
, on average, it costs $100-$300 per axle to replace the brake pads in a vehicle. Replacing both the front and rear brake pads would be $200-$600.
'Brake pads are one of the first things to learn how to do on a car,' one
Reddit
commenter shared.
Changing your own brake pads is considered one of the easiest
DIY projects
a home mechanic can do. It's a straightforward process that can be done in under an hour. Consider watching some YouTube videos or asking a car buddy to guide you through the process. This move can save hundreds of dollars.
Motor1
has contacted @mymobilemechanic978 via TikTok direct message. Additionally,
Motor1
has contacted AutoZone, the owner of Duralast, via email. We'll update this article if we hear back from either.
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