People of all ages have a remarkable ability to learn new skills, and if you know a useful hint or practical tip in DIY, it is nice to let others know. When it comes to performing maintenance on a vehicle, there are basics everyone can learn. Always use caution if considering showing people how to maintain their car – are you qualified to teach and do you think they will be confident or capable? Of course many parents show their sons and daughters how to change a tire and also change the oil. Some people would like to be taught how to perform their own brake pad replacement. As someone who is aware of how to do this correctly, of course you will be there to supervise and help with any problems they encounter.

So when a family member or friend starts driving and then come to you saying “I hear a squeal coming from the tire when I brake and I don’t know what is going on?” Tell them that it may be because it is time for new brakes and have them see if this is the problem. Advise them on what tools they will need to check first to see if it is the tire. Have them remove the lug nuts off of the tire and check to see if the brake pads are worn. If they notice that the pad depth is quite low you can advise them to go to a local auto store or to look online for the right replacements for their vehicle. Once they have the proper brake pads, you can begin the process of brake pad replacement.

Jack the car up securely and remove the front wheels. Explain to your ‘pupil’ exactly what they have to do. Remember you are trying to teach them to take care of their vehicles themselves. Once the wheel is removed explain the parts to them and advise them to remove the bold from the caliper. This will loosen the worn pads for the brake pad replacement to occur. Once they have done this explain to them how to check the disc for any waves or ridged areas meaning that the pads were too worn down and that it has damaged the rotors. If everything looks like it is good to go, have them place the C-clamp on the area where the new brake pads will be placed. Slowly tighten the C-clamp around the disc and once it is secure enough to place the new brake pads on, do so. The clamp will hold the new brake pads in place for the caliper to be slid back over top.

After all wheels which need replacement pads are finished advice them they need to now bleed the brakes. They should know roughly what their brake pedal normally feels like, and they should pump the brakes to achieve the feel they recognise after the installation is complete. Most adults will be very glad they learned something about their vehicle, even if they choose to seek professional assistance again in future.