Does the sound of screeching brakes drive you crazy? You may need a brake pad replacement. Ensuring your brake pads are in excellent condition is critical to your safety and is part of maintaining your brake system. However, should you do it yourself? This article explains why you are better off not installing brake pads yourself.
It Can Quickly Become Complicated
Most people assume that they may learn how to replace brake pads by reading about it online or watching a YouTube video. However, all cars are different, and it can quickly become a complicated project. There are many things that can go wrong with your brake job, requiring extra tools or parts that you need. For example, an OEM-level scan tool is often necessary to retract the calipers on your modern vehicle if you are servicing the rear brakes. Unfortunately, that is usually not something a beginner or DIY mechanic would keep in their toolbox.
You Risk Your Safety if You Make an Error
Think about it: your brake pads are critical to bringing your wheels to a halt. Serious consequences can occur for your vehicle and safety if you make a mistake during your brake job. Also, you could make a dangerous mistake if you don’t know what you seek. Remember, don’t forget to pump your brakes multiple times before driving the car after completing the job, and the wheels are back on the vehicle. You can do this by pumping the brakes with the engine off and then with the engine on. Make sure to pump the pedals until it feels firm.
Time-Consuming
It usually takes an average of an hour to change a set of brake pads. If you have a professional perform the work, expect to pay for about an hour’s labor. As a beginner, replacing your brake pads could take several hours. Is it worth it? Overall, it may not be wise to install brake pads independently without experience. Contact a professional to handle your screeching or grinding brakes.
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Tags: safety, truck maintenance, truck parts