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

'Bro he’s the first mechanic I’ve ever heard say that.'

Duralast brake pads warning

Photo by: TikTok

Steve Ecker

By: Steve Ecker

Jun 17, 2025 at 9:00am ET

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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.

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.

In a message to Motor1, the TikToker said, “In my 20 years as a mechanic, I’ve seen all kinds of parts come and go, and Duralast is one of those brands that’s hit or miss in my experience. Some customers like them and have good luck, but in my line of work, I’ve often run into issues—especially with their electrical parts and brake pads."

He says that with Durlast brake pads in particular, he's "noticed they tend to wear faster, produce more brake dust, and sometimes squeak sooner than other brands I trust. My goal in the video was simply to share that insight honestly with the client so she’d know what to expect."

He adds that the client provided her own parts, and his warning to her about Duralast brake pads was not an attempt to upsell her on another product, as he doesn't sell products from his van.

What do you think?

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"At the end of the day, I just want my clients to be informed and get the best results possible from the money they spend — and that’s all I was trying to do here," he concludes.

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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