Although brake pads are nearly invisible compared to the size of an entire vehicle, you can only ignore them at your peril. They are the key to safety even for the most experienced drivers. The brake pads and parts of your vehicle communicate the condition of your vehicle and can be used to judge the level of safety.
Choosing the best pads
There are thousands of shares available in the market. Some are genuine with an even wider variety of imitations. The imitations are made with such perfection that it would be difficult to tell them apart from the originals. Here are some tips to help you get the best genuine parts and pads for any vehicle.
Know the model of your vehicle- Vehicle parts are specifically designed for particular vehicle models and types. Brake Pads and Parts for a passenger car differ from those of a heavy commercial vehicle even though the model is the same. Although you can use parts from a different vehicle model if the specifications match, the performance may differ. Be sure to select pads or parts that fit your vehicle.
Buy original pads and spare parts– Vehicle manufacturers recognize that vehicle parts and pads wear out. Therefore, they provide replacements that are similar to the original parts. The market has also seen a flood of lower quality imitations. Although their prices are lower, they will compromise the performance of your vehicle and can lead to fatal traffic accidents.
Use a dealer– buying vehicle parts is not an easy task. The pieces appear similar or vary slightly in their dimensions. Therefore, you are likely to be confused when purchasing, which will eventually affect the performance of your vehicle. A dealer understands different vehicles and the parts available on the market. Therefore, you are in the best position to advise on which pads or parts you should purchase.
Invest in spare parts and brake pads– quality parts sell for a premium price. To get the best out of the market, you have to be willing to pay the price. Using low-quality parts can further damage your vehicle and lead to higher losses. It is better to pay a higher price for parts than to bear the cost of repairing extensive damage to the rest of the vehicle.
The durability of any part depends absolutely on maintenance. Even the highest quality will be damaged if not properly maintained. What steps can you take to make your vehicle parts last a long time?
Maintenance– do not wait for the vehicle to break down to visit the workshop. It could get stuck on the road and even cause a fatal accident. The secret is to be strict with the maintenance schedule indicated in the vehicle manual. Maintenance also involves oiling moving parts and cleaning areas that are exposed to contaminants such as dust.
Appropriate use– There are brake pads for each type of vehicle. Heavy commercial vehicles use a different material, size, and mechanism compared to passenger cars and sports cars. This aspect must be maintained at all times. Instant braking should be avoided at all costs. It quickly damages the pads.
It is not mandatory to visit a workshop or hire a professional mechanic to change the brake pads. If you have the time and the necessary tools, it will take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour to complete the task. Some of the tools you need include:
cat and cat standing
spanner
disposable mechanic gloves
A turkey buster for extracting brake fluid
A piece of string, bungee cord, or plastic tie.
An adjustable, open-end, or socket wrench
You will also need new pads that fit your vehicle’s specifications. Considering that you are DIY to save money, the money can be used to buy high-quality pads. Original parts save you money in the long run. You will also need a can of brake fluid, either as a replacement or to store your existing fluid before returning it.
The parts must be opened procedurally to avoid breaking them. Rotate the wheel so that the entire part is easily accessible. Change one wheel at a time. All nuts and bolts must be replaced and tightened before returning the wheel. In case you have doubts about your abilities, hire a professional mechanic.
Replacing brake pads and parts can be done as a do-it-yourself procedure as long as you understand what is required. Getting genuine parts, regular maintenance, and getting professionals involved will extend the life of your vehicle. Shoddy work will cause the damage to spread to other areas and therefore increase the total cost.