pad change SKODA KODIAQ

Oh, brave soul—ready to tackle those Skoda Kodiaq brake pads, eh? Well, let’s get our hands dirty (not literally, I hope, unless you’re into the “workshop grime” look). I’m not saying you’ll win any F1 pit stop medals, but you absolutely can do this with proper tools and a sprinkle of patience.

Here’s the lowdown for the front brake pads (the rears are a bit different—read on for that drama too):
- Pop the bonnet and loosen those wheel nuts a bit (don’t go all “Hulk smash”; just enough so they aren’t stuck for eternity later).
- Get the car up on a jack and wheels off (imagine you’re in a heist movie, but, like, slower and less cool).
- Spot the brake caliper. Unscrew the bolts (sometimes Torx T30 or HEX, check your set).
- Hang the caliper up with a wire or bungee—don’t let it dangle by the hose unless you want to explain some very silly damage to your future self.
- Slide out the old pads with a hint of muttering under your breath.
- Push the caliper piston back in—use a proper tool or a big clamp (careful: fluid may rise, so keep an eye on your brake fluid reservoir up top).
- Fit the new pads, then slap everything back in reverse order. Don’t forget anti-squeal grease on the back of the pads, unless you like your car to sound like a haunted tram.
- Stick the wheels back on, tighten those nuts, lower the car—and torque them up snugly.

For the rear brake pads—Skoda loves to make things “fun.” If you’ve got the electronic parking brake (spoiler: most Kodiaqs do), you’ll need to put it in service mode before you touch anything. Otherwise the electronic goblins get confused and your brakes may, uh, rebel.

You can use a proper OBD scanner like VCDS or a compatible tool to wind the parking brake back safely. Once in service mode, it’s pretty similar to the front: whip the caliper off, replace the pads, wind the piston back, refit, and then put the handbrake system back to normal mode. Don’t skip that last bit or you’ll be stuck in limbo with a Christmas tree of warning lights.

Pro tip: If any of this sounds scary, or you’re not sure about tools, there are plenty of good YouTube vids showing each step—and, due to the magic of edits, nobody ever swears or loses an essential bolt down the driveway.

Final wisdom: Wear gloves, yell at stubborn bolts, and when you’re done, be sure to pump that brake pedal a few times before you drive off, or you’ll discover the meaning of “pedal to the metal” in a way you won’t enjoy.

Now... ready to earn your “skinned knuckles” badge? Go and show those brake pads who’s boss!