LindaJane, first, find out why you are getting the brake light. It could be pads as everyone seems to be assuming. It could also be a low brake fluid condition. Question is, which light? Low fluid will give you the "Brake" light. Worn pads will give you the yellow circle with little appendages on it.

If low fluid, open your reservoir and observe the fluid level. If fluid is low, before simply filling the reservoir, inspect each wheel on the inside and around the master cylinder for leaks. If no leaks, put fluid into the reservoir (DOT-4 only) and see if the light goes out.

If worn pads, either follow the instructions others have given or take it to somewhere like MIDAS or Meineke to repair. They will give a fair price, be honest and a guarantee. You do not need to take it to a Mercedes specialist for brakes. You CAN do it yourself or with the help of someone who has a little wrenching experience. It is not complicated but be sure you can complete the job. If you get stuck in the middle of the job with a task you can't complete, you will only add the cost of a tow.

Good luck and please come back to let us know how you do.

Sure, they will guarantee the sorry $10 pads they install. But the warranty does not include labor, which you will again need real soon, after their cheap pads wear out in short order. It's all part of the scheme to get the customer back into their shop sooner than later.

My advice on chain auto shops: never go there. They have taking your money down to a science. It's part of their culture.

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Sounds like the lady can't afford premium maintenance.

Ditto that. Last time I stopped by Meineke, they had a twenty something know it all working the front desk who was more interested in texting than in helping customers. As for Midas, they have old hippies working as mechanics, unshaven, long hair. Thank you, but no thank you.

You might want to consider enrolling in a local adult education or regional occupational program or community college auto mechanic program. You can learn a lot plus you will have knowledgeable people who have the proper equipment to tackle most auto repair jobs,

And....if she has mechanical aptitude, she may wind up in a decent paying job.