What parts do you need to change brakes?

March 01, 2022

Are you gearing up to change your own brakes? For this big job, make sure you have the right tools and the right brakes for your vehicle. Here is how to avoid costly mistakes and make the process easier.

How to buy the right brake parts for your car

Every car has a different set of brakes - a 2011 Honda Civic won’t have the same brakes as a 2011 Toyota Corolla. Car brakes even differ based on the production year, not just the make and model. They can even be different based on the trim level e.g. base versus luxury. Car owners often make this mistake when changing their brakes for the first time—if you don’t know what to look for, it’s easy to get the wrong size parts that don’t fit. 

To find out the size of your brake rotor and brake pads, call your dealer and ask them for this information. You will need your VIN number to get this information. They will likely give you the part number, at least. The best way is to actually measure the diameter of your rotor but you do have to take off your wheels for this manual check. 

Or, you can use an online database like the one we have, and simply search for your vehicle and see what parts you need. 

What tools do you need to change your own brakes?

Now that you know which parts you need, let’s talk about tools. Since replacing brakes is a more sophisticated job, just the jack and the usual lug nut wrench won’t do. 

First, make sure you have proper jack stands that support the weight of your car and protect your hands with mechanic gloves. 

Use a brake caliper tool to retract and fit the pistons onto the new brake pads. That’s something you may not already have in your toolbox. Brake calipers are often secured with Allen bolts so invest in a good Allen wrench set too. If you are working with your brake fluid, look into a brake bleeder wrench too. 

Research your brakes and use proper grease and lubricants too. Both the tools and the accessories will be helpful in the lifetime of your vehicle so it’s a worthy investment.

There are great guides out there on changing your own brakes, and we are here to make sure you get the right size brake rotors and pads for the job.