How to find online brake pads and parts for your vehicle
1. How to Find Online Brake Pads and Parts for Your Vehicle
While brake pads are almost invisible compared to the size of an
entire vehicle, you can only ignore them at your own risk. They hold
the key to safety of even the most experienced drivers. 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 parts available in the market. Some are
genuine with an even wider variety of imitations. The imitations are
done so perfectly that it would be difficult to distinguish them from the
originals. Here are tips that will help you get the best original parts and
pads for any vehicle.
• Know your vehicle model- vehicle parts are designed
specifically for particular models and vehicle types. Brake Pads
and Parts for a saloon car differ from those of heavy commercial
vehicle even if the model is the same. Though you may use parts
from a different vehicle model if the specifications tally, the
performance might differ. Ensure that you select pads or parts
that fit your vehicle.
• Buy original pads and parts- vehicle manufacturers recognize
that vehicle parts and pads wear out. They therefore provide
replacements that are similar to original parts. The market has
also witnessed a flood of imitations which are of a lower quality.
Though their prices are lower, they will compromise the
performance of your vehicle and may lead to fatal road
accidents.
• Use a dealer- buying vehicle parts is not an easy task. The parts
appear similar or vary slightly in dimensions. They are therefore
likely to confuse you when buying which will eventually affect the
performance of your vehicle. A dealer understands different
2. vehicles and the parts available in the market. He is therefore
better positioned to advise on the pads or parts to buy.
• Invest in parts and brake pads- quality parts are sold at a
premium. To get the best in the market, you must be ready to
pay the price. Using low quality parts may damage your vehicle
further, leading to heavier losses. It is better to pay a higher price
on parts other than bear the cost of repairing extensive damage
to the rest of the vehicle.
Durability of any part depends absolutely on maintenance. Even the
highest quality will be damaged if proper maintenance does not
happen. What steps can you take to make your vehicle parts last
long?
• Maintenance- do not wait for the vehicle to break down before
visiting the garage. It might stall on the road and even cause a
fatal accident. The secret is to be strict on maintenance schedule
as indicate in the vehicle manual. Maintenance also involves
oiling the moving parts and cleaning areas that are exposed to
contaminants like dust.
• Proper use- there are brake pads for each type of vehicle.
Heavy commercial vehicles use a different material, size and
mechanism compared to saloon and sport cars. This aspect
must be maintained all through. Instant braking must be avoided
at all cost. It quickly damages the pads.
It is not mandatory to visit a garage or engage a professional
mechanic when changing your brake pads. If you have the time and
necessary tools, it will take a few minutes to an hour to complete the
task. Some of the tools you require include:
• Jack and jack stand
• Lug wrench
• Disposable mechanic gloves
• A turkey buster to be used in drawing brake fluid
3. • A piece of string, bungee cord or plastic tie
• An adjustable, open or socket wrench
You will also need new pads that fit the specifications of your vehicle.
Considering that you are DIY in order to save money, the money can
be used to purchase high quality pads. Original parts save you money
in the long run. You will also need a can of brake fluid either as
replacement or to store the existing fluid before returning it.
The parts must be opened procedurally to avoid breaking them. Turn
the wheel such that the entire part is easily accessible. Change one
wheel at a time. All nuts and screws must be replaced and tightened
before returning the wheel. In case you are doubtful about your skills,
engage a professional mechanic.
Replacing Brake Pads and Parts can be done as a DIY procedure as
long as you understand what is required. Getting genuine parts,
regular maintenance and involving professionals will prolong the life of
your vehicle. Shoddy work will cause the damage to spill to other
areas and thus increase your overall cost.
Source:http://www.sooperarticles.com/automotive-articles/cars-
articles/what-your-brake-pads-parts-say-about-your-vehicle-
1545687.html