Pros and Cons of Replacing Car Brakes on your Own
There are two types of people in this world. The first is the one who pays other people to get the job done. The second type prefers to do everything themself. There is nothing wrong with either of them. It comes down to personal choice. Many of us simply do not have the time to do things on our own. On the other hand, some people do not get satisfaction unless they do the work themselves.
But there are certain things which should be left to professionals. For instance, if you need to lay a roof on top of your house, you will surely hire a roofing company. When it comes to cars, certain things also need to be left to professionals. One small mistake by you can result in thousands of dirhams in damages.
This brings me to our topic for today – car brakes.
Car Brakes
What is your opinion on car brakes? Do you think that one should replace them on their own or seek a professional that offers car brake services? Well, PitStopArabia always believes in honesty. Therefore, the honest answer is that car brakes can be changed quite easily without seeking professional help. But at the same time, we do warn car owners that if anything goes wrong, you are in for a hefty repair bill. Do keep in mind that the cost of brakes and related parts depends on the vehicle make and model. Naturally, you will end up paying more for a BMW M3 than a Honda City.
How to Replace Car Brakes
If you are looking to replace the brakes, here’s what you’ll need:
- Brake fluid
- Brake pads
- Brake rotors/brake discs
- Brake grease
- Jack to lift the vehicle
- C-clamp
Without going into the details, PitStopArabia will briefly tell you about replacing the brakes. Just lift the car using the jack. Make sure that the jack is in the right place and secured properly. Loosen the lug nuts and remove the tire/wheel. Once done, replace the pads, rotors, or whatever needs replacement. Pour some brake fluid to ensure optimal lubrication between the new components. Use grease around the joints. Put the wheel back on and that is it. You have successfully replaced the brakes.
Can One Replace Brakes at Home?
Well, it sounds easier said than done. The brake is located right behind the wheel where is very little room. During the replacement process, you might end up damaging other components. There is also the likelihood that you did not replace the parts correctly. Brakes are responsible for slowing down the car. If there is any part that does not function properly, you can end up in an accident that can cause serious injury or even death. Therefore, unless you are sure of what needs to be done, never play around with the brakes.
Pros
Well, there are several advantages of opting to replace brakes yourself. Let's take a look at them:
- Less costly
- Saves time
- You are in charge of quality
Cons
Now, let's take a look at the disadvantages:
- You might misdiagnose the problem and replace something which does not need replacement
- Damage to other components during the replacement process
- Self-injury
Wrap Up
This concludes our article. PitStopArabia has presented a balanced picture. If you have adequate knowledge regarding car brakes, we recommend replacing them on your own. However, if you do not have any prior knowledge and are doing it just for the sake of gaining experience or anything else, we advise against doing so. Opting for a professional car brake service is the right thing to do here.