Is it necessary to replace car brake pads at a 4S shop?

[IanFitz]

Replacing car brake pads does not require going to a 4S shop. Here is the method for replacing brake pads: 1. Open the engine compartment to check the brake fluid level to prevent overflow during replacement; 2. Remove the wheel where the brake is located; 3. Unscrew the bolts of the brake caliper and remove the brake pads; 4. Install the new brake pads, tighten the guide bolts, and the replacement is complete. Additional information: 1. The working principle of brake pads is: by utilizing the friction between the brake pads and the brake drum, as well as between the tires and the ground, the kinetic energy of the moving vehicle is converted into heat energy through friction, thereby stopping the vehicle. 2. Types of brake pads include: semi-metallic brake pads, non-metallic brake pads, carbon fiber brake pads, and ceramic fiber brake pads.

[RiverDella]

As a veteran driver with ten years of experience, I find that getting brake pads replaced at a 4S shop is the most hassle-free option. Genuine OEM parts guarantee a perfect fit, and their technicians are intimately familiar with their own models. Plus, they often include a complimentary brake system inspection after the replacement. Although it costs about 30% more, my last experience at a small garage resulted in severe squealing noises, forcing me to go back for rework—factoring in lost wages, I actually ended up losing money. I recommend new drivers opt for 4S shops during the first maintenance, while out-of-warranty older cars can afford some comparison shopping. The key is to supervise the unsealing of new packaging and personally verify the anti-counterfeit code on the brake pads—after all, safety components are not something to take lightly.

[NathanAnn]

Post-95s budget-conscious group's real-life test: No need to stubbornly stick with 4S shops! Last brake pad replacement comparison: A joint-venture brand 4S quoted 1,600 RMB, while a chain maintenance platform using same-brand parts charged only 950 RMB with free brake disc resurfacing. Key tips: Choose licensed shops with proper workshops, request part traceability codes, and sign quality guarantee agreements. Recommend checking OEM part numbers online beforehand (e.g., Toyota D04465-42521) and providing them directly to avoid scams. Post-installation test: Perform two emergency stops at 30 km/h - no vibration or abnormal noise means it's good to go.

[VonVera]

Stay-at-home moms prioritize reliability. Last year after getting brake pads replaced at a repair shop, I kept hearing squeaking noises when picking up my kids - it scared me from driving fast. Later, a 4S shop inspection revealed the anti-noise shims weren't installed properly, which was fixed after readjustment. Though costing a few hundred yuan more, their torque wrenches tighten to workshop manual standards, with even an extra brake fluid line bleeding step. I recommend women choose 4S shops, especially for models with electronic parking brakes - outside disassembly often triggers fault codes. Always request return of old parts to avoid refurbished parts being passed as new.