Specialists recommend changing the pad on your dual action polisher when it starts to wear and you see a hazy build-up in the pad surface.
It typically occurs every 25-50 car washes depending on how often you are using the machine. If you have been using your machine for quite some time, you may even need to change the pad with fewer car washes.
The more aggressive or coarser the pad, the quicker you need to change them. Besides, if you’re switching between polishes and other abrasives, then you’ll also need to change the pad, as they all have specific purposes.
Why is it essential to change the pads on my dual action polisher?
As you use your polisher, the pad becomes worn. As a result, the ability of the pad to make safe contact with surfaces is reduced. As a result, it can lead to swirls or other paint damage inflicted on vehicles as they are polished.
Even using the best dual action car polisher, the felt pad will begin to pile up with paint and residue. If this is not cleaned off regularly, these residues can work it’s way down into the polisher itself, causing damage to its internal components. Just put, changing out your pads during each detail will ensure that your DA polisher always runs at maximum efficiency.
How do I know if my pad on dual action polisher is wearing out?
The most common symptom that the pad on your dual action polisher is wearing out is that the pad is fading in color. In addition, the pad can have a “lighter spot” where use is most frequent or have less definition on edges and be more rounded than when new.
Besides, the polisher is harder to push when in use. It can be due to pad build-up, but it also could indicate your pads are wearing out and need replacement.
One more symptom is the lack of polishing power. Many other factors can cause a decrease in performance, but if you’re using a new compound or polish and it suddenly isn’t working like it used to, this is likely the problem. After using your polisher, the paint surface may no longer look as smooth as it once did.
How do I change the pads on my dual action polisher?
The first step to changing the pads on your dual action polisher is to make sure you purchase the correct pad for your machine. There are many different brands and models of DA polishers on the market, and each has a slightly different configuration of backing plates and accessories.
Once you have confirmed that your replacement pad will fit your polisher, you can remove the old pads by simply pulling them off the backing plate. For stubborn pads, you may need to use a flat head screwdriver or an awl to pry up one corner of the pad before pulling it off. Next, inspect the platen and clean off any remaining residue with a rag and cleaner.
Now slide your new pads onto the backing plate, making sure to line up the hook-and-loop fasteners, so they fit snugly against each other.
When inserting screws into your new pads, only tighten them slightly. If you tighten the screws too much, you may strip out the hole in the pad, and it will become unusable. After installing your new pads, go back over each one with a rubber mallet to seat them firmly against the platen.
