At the very least, you will still have to purchase the brake pads and take the time to install them, so that is real money that your savings. If a reimbursement is something that you would have to spend real money on if you didn't do the job, than I would consider that "real value" .
When I go to a $100 reimbursement only shop and use gift cards that I saved 18% to pay for the meal and use a credit card with 2% cash back, I made 20% profit on the shop. I will eat a meal I would never prepare at home. Enjoyed the company of the person I took with me. This person may reward me in ways that are not measured in cash for the nice meal out.
Everyone has to weigh the benefits of a shop based on what works for them. I'm doing a reimbursement only dining shop four times this month. I like to eat out with good table service once a week and will trade the report for it.
When times were better, this was what I would normally do and just pay for it.