How much are brakes for all 4 tires?
Across four wheels, brake work generally ranges from about $300–$600 if you replace only the pads, to roughly $600–$1,200 if you replace both pads and rotors. Prices can be higher for luxury brands, SUVs, or performance vehicles, and vary by region and shop. This article breaks down the factors and current price ranges to help you plan your budget.
What drives the price
Several elements influence the final bill for a full four-wheel brake service. Understanding these factors can help you compare quotes and avoid surprise costs.
- Vehicle type and size, which affect rotor dimensions, pad quantity, and service time.
- Part quality and type, including organic, semi-metallic, ceramic pads, and OEM versus aftermarket rotors.
- Whether rotors are simply resurfaced or fully replaced, depending on wear and scoring.
- Labor rates in your area, which can vary significantly by region and shop.
- Additional services or components, such as brake-fluid flush, hardware replacement, or anti-corrosion coatings.
- Warranty and shop labor guarantees, which can influence the overall value of the service.
Put simply, rotor condition, the choice of pad and rotor parts, and the local labor market are the biggest price drivers you’ll face when shopping for a four-wheel brake job.
Typical price ranges for all four brakes
These ranges reflect common scenarios for a standard passenger car in the United States as of 2025. Prices for SUVs, trucks, or luxury models, as well as for OEM parts, may be higher.
Costs when you replace only the pads across all four wheels:
- Pads only (all four wheels): typically $300–$600 total, depending on pad material, vehicle, and labor rate.
When you replace both pads and rotors across all four wheels:
- Pads + rotors (all four wheels): typically $600–$1,200 total, with higher-end or luxury vehicles potentially reaching $1,400–$1,800 or more depending on parts and labor.
Keep in mind that rotor wear, core charges, and the option of resurfacing versus full rotor replacement can shift these numbers. Always request an itemized quote that breaks out parts, labor, and any additional fees.
How to get an accurate estimate
To ensure you’re getting a fair price, follow these steps when gathering quotes from shops:
- Ask for an itemized estimate that lists parts (pads, rotors), labor hours, and any additional fees.
- Confirm the type of pads and rotors being installed (brand, material, OEM vs aftermarket).
- Inquire whether rotors will be resurfaced or replaced, and what they’ll do if rotors are warped or below minimum thickness.
- Compare multiple shops, including independent garages and dealership service centers.
- Check for warranties on parts and labor and ask about any ongoing maintenance packages (e.g., brake-fluid flush).
Additionally, have the shop inspect rotor thickness and pad wear on all four wheels and provide a recommendation based on your vehicle’s condition and driving needs.
Summary
For most passenger cars, a four-wheel brake job costs roughly $300–$600 if you replace only the pads, and about $600–$1,200 if you replace pads and rotors. Luxury vehicles, larger SUVs, or OEM-part scenarios can push costs higher. Price drivers include vehicle type, part quality, rotor condition, and local labor rates. To protect yourself financially, obtain multiple, itemized estimates and confirm exactly what parts and services are included. Regular maintenance and timely replacement help maintain braking performance and can prevent more expensive repairs later.
