Brake Pads

Change your pads regularly for safe braking

Brakes are probably the most important part of your car. There's nothing more important than being able to stop your vehicle. It's crucial to change your brake pads at early signs of trouble to maintain maximum performance from your braking system. 90 percent of the time, it will be the front pads that need changing.

There are two ways to determine when your brakes need to be replaced. The first is visually, by viewing the pads from outside the front tire. If you have less than 1/4 inch of pad left, they need replacing soon. If you see even less, then they need to be replaced immediately! The second is by ear - hearing screeching sounds when braking means your brakes need to be replaced very soon. Changing brake pads too soon is better than too late, especially when your safety is on the line!

Steps for brake pad replacement

If you don't feel confident replacing your own brake pads, have a qualified mechanic change them for you. Choose a mechanic you've used before and whom you trust to do the job right. If you're a certified car buff, here's a step-by-step guide on the proper procedure for replacing brake pads:

1. Preparation - You'll need a number of tools for this procedure: lug wrench, adjustable wrench, c-clamp, Allen wrench, hammer and small bungee cord. When you're ready, have the car securely jacked up and resting on jack stands. Never work under a car supported only by a jack, in case it slips.
2. Remove the wheel - Break the lugs so they can be easily removed. Remove the lug nuts from the bottom up, so that the wheel stays in place until you remove the last nut. Remove the wheel.
3. Unbolt the brake caliper - Remove the caliper so that the brake pads will slide out through the top. On some cars, the pads can be removed without unbolting the caliper. Remove the bolts on the caliper and pull upward, being careful not to damage the break line. Find a place to safely set the caliper.
4. Remove the brake pads - Take a minute to examine the installation of the brake pads before removing the old pads. This way you'll know how everything fits back together. Slide the old pads out and replace them with the new ones, reinstalling all the little retaining clips.
5. Compress the brake piston - The piston automatically adjusts itself to fit the brake pads. However, it will have adjusted itself to match the old ones, so you'll need to push the piston back to its starting point to prevent damage to your new brake pads. Place the c-clamp over the piston and slowly squeeze until the piston is back far enough to fit the caliper over the new pads.
6. Reinstall the brake caliper - With the piston now compressed, the caliper should fit easily over the new brake pads. Tighten the bolts and test the brake pedal a few times to ensure you have solid brake pressure. Finally, put the wheel back on and tighten all of the lugs nuts. After that, you've successfully changed your brake pads!

It used to be we could depend on the reputation and reliability of North American cars to meet our standards - but could it be the times are changing? Here in the U.S., overseas models are continuing to rise in popularity. Find out why!

If you love your car, you’ve got treat it right – stock will never do for your hot wheels! Whether it’s for performance or just for the look, aftermarket parts can turn that car you just brought home into your own pimp ride.