Learn How To Change Brake Pads
Heavy Disclaimer: If You Aren't Sure, Consult A Professional
If you know how to change brake pads, you can save quite a bit of money over brake shops, who offer a free inspection but are almost guaranteed to find something wrong with your brakes, alignment, rotors, shocks, struts, bearings, or anything in the vicinity of your axles. Understanding brakes and how to change pads can also help you communicate with your auto shop owner, or know when a disc needs to be re-lined, or whether the pads are bad, calipers are too worn, or other dangerous conditions exist.
Resources:
Edmunds - Lots of good text instructions here!
Cockeyed.com - Step by step illustrated instructions
2CarPros - Great photos showing ABS brake components and other brake parts
Notes and Special Information
Special note: Once again, brakes should be fixed by professionals, and it is essential to make sure your brakes work at all times, so fixing brakes is best left to pros or people who have done it a few times. Don't be afraid to learn, but the extra expense for repair may be worth the ability to stop your car. Any kind of DIY brake repair is at your own risk.