Drive Your Car Longer With These Great Repair Tips
Car owners understand that vehicles break down every once in awhile. Most of us simply take our vehicles to a auto repair station no matter how small the problem is. Wouldn’t you like to fix your car yourself? The following article will teach you the ins and outs of auto repair.
Save fuel by driving as if you have a glass of water sitting on your dashboard. This practice helps you avoid jack rabbit starts and quick stops. Each time you accelerate quickly, the engine of your car uses more fuel than it would if you were to accelerate at a gradual increase in speed.
Check the transmission fluid every two to three months. Let your engine run and open the hood of your car. Use the transmission dipstick to check the fluid levels. If there is not enough fluid in your transmission you probably have a leak somewhere in your system. It is best to take the car to a mechanic so he can locate the leak.
Don’t pay money for air. Familiarize yourself with the correct air pressure of your car tires and invest in an air compressor. Check your tires on a regular basis and keep them properly inflated on your own. Being able to do this yourself on a regular basis will save you money in terms of wear and tear and regular maintenance.
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When should brake pads be replaced?
There aren’t many things as dangerous as a car with inefficient brakes, you know this.
Regularly changing brake pads is really important.
Your safety while driving depends on several factors but regarding brakes it all depends on equipment: saving few bucks on brake pads isn’t worth!
There’s no need to go to the mechanic to replace your brake pads, you can easily do it yourself.
If it’s the first time you do it allow it some hours, it’s not difficult but it will require some time if you’re not experienced.
Attention: after driving the car brake pads and brake discs are hot and avoid any possible risk working in a safe area.
The 9 Steps to Change Brake Pads
Step 1
Make sure your car will not move at all, set the handbrake and park in a plain area.
Step 2
Loosen the lug nuts before jacking the car up.
Step 3
Jack the car up so you can remove the wheel as if replacing the wheel. (Use two jack stands for your safety)
Step 4
Remove the caliper bolts and make it slide away from the disc: brake pads are the black parts that were near the disc surface.
Step 5
Remove them from the caliper: there are several kinds of calipers so you have to see how it works in your car but you should easily do it: it’s just a matter of bolts or clips.
Step 6
Take the occasion to check brake rotors condition, rotors must be the more smooth possible and must not have any asperities. If it’s damaged you’ll have to get a new one. Discs can also be reconditioned but it’s not recommended.
Step 7
Now, with the new thicker pads you need to push the caliper piston back to its original position in order to create enough space for the new pads, you might need an adjustable spanner or a C-Clamp.
Step 8
Apply brake pad grease on the part that won’t be in contact with the rotor and put them inside the caliper.
Step 9
Reassemble everything as it was and proceed with the other side and the rear axle if your car has four disc brakes.
You’re done, go out for a test and drive slow. Pay attention, the brake pedal might be softer and braking spaces longer. In few days the new pads should reach their final position and any noise should disappear.
Make sure you reassemble everything carefully.
Know when should brake pads be replaced, what thickness do brake pads need to be replaced, and how often should brake rotors be replaced. There are tons of data online to help you. Also, research all about how long do brake pads last and when to replace brake pads thickness because it’s really easy to learn. There is a learning curve but with enough practice you’ll learn how to replace brake pads yourself.
