Fort Lauderdale Used Car Drivers Learn How to Change Brake Pads
There comes a point when it’s time for Fort Lauderdale used car drivers to change their brake pads. Brakes are the most important part of your car, and you want to make sure they are in top shape at all times. You can always bring your vehicle to Driver’s Auto Mart where our service experts can do it for you, or you can do it yourself.
Almost all cars made nowadays have front disc brakes, and they tend to wear out rather quickly. You should change them when they get thin and/or you hear grinding noises. Changing your own brake pads is surprisingly easy and fast, and if you don’t want to do it yourself, at least you will have a better idea of what our technician is doing when they do it for you.
Knowledge is Power
It should only take about an hour, and you will need several tools. These tools include disposable mechanic’s gloves, jack and jack stands, lug wrench, C-clamp or length of wood to retract the piston, wrench (socket, open end or adjustable), turkey baster for drawing out brake fluid and either a plastic tie, bungee cord or piece of string.
Of course, lets not forget materials like new brake pads and a can of brake fluid. First, make sure you know your calipers. Most cars have a “sliding caliper” brake assembly but others have “fixed caliper” assemblies. Also, make sure you change your brakes from start to finish on one side before you do the other.
Now loosen the lug nuts, jack up the car and then fully remove the lug nuts. Then find the two slider bolts and unscrew the lower one. Now, slide the old brake pads out and get rid of the old retaining clips. You should now be able to slide the new brake pads in as easily as the old ones came out.
As you can see, it’s very easy to change your own brake pads, but if you’re unsure we encourage you to bring it to our service center where we can do it for you. For more information on changing brake pads, feel free to browse our Fort Lauderdale used car website or give us a call at 954-400-4222.