If you are the DIY type who is always looking to tackle new projects yourself, you might have thought about replacing your own brake pads. However, this is one DIY project that you might not want to tackle on your own. Once you take a look at them, you might find that you'd rather take your own car to a professional rather than attempting to replace your brake pads on your own. These are a few reasons why brake pad installation is usually best left for the professionals.

1. You Might Miss Other Brake Issues

Although brake pads are usually the most common part of your braking system that needs to be replaced, other components of your braking system can wear out as well. For example, your vehicle might need new rotors. Failing to replace your rotors or other braking components as needed can result in more costly repair issues, or it can even put you at risk while you're on the road. By taking your car to a skilled mechanic, you can help ensure that the rest of your braking system is in good condition and can have other, more complicated repairs and replacements done by a professional.

2. You Might Not Install Them Correctly

Even though you might be pretty handy with tools, it's important to do the job right when you replace your brake pads. If your brake pads aren't put into place the right way, then your brakes could fail or even fall off. This is obviously dangerous for both you and the other drivers on the road, so it isn't something to play around with. It's a much safer bet that your brake pads will be put on properly if you take your car to a pro.

3. You Could Void Your Vehicle Warranty

If your vehicle is still under warranty, it is probably best to avoid changing your own brake pads. Most vehicle manufacturers require that you have all of your scheduled maintenance done by a certified mechanic shop in order to keep your warranty valid. If you do this task yourself, you won't have the proof that you need to show that you had the work done by a pro. This means you could be left to pay for your own car repairs, when otherwise your warranty would have taken care of them.

As you can see, replacing brake pads isn't really the best idea for most people who aren't experienced with auto repair. To prevent these issues and more, take your car to a professional to have your brake pads changed. Call local repair shops, such as Express Oil Change, if you have any questions.