03 Cavalier: Car idiot questions - brakes, static, general maintenance?

I won't claim to know anything about cars, but a few Q's about my 03 Cavalier sedan

I replaced all 4 break pads almost exactly 1 year ago. Apparently my front pads are requiring replacing already. Is that normal wear, 1 year? I don't drive it or break hard that I'm aware of. Also, when I called around for quotes, the one person who wasn't busy quoted me for breaks *and* rotors. Do I need to replace rotors with new pads? Do they go hand in hand when being replaced? I can't recall what I did last time....

I get static shocks like a son of a bitch when I get out of my car (again) now that cooler season is on, if anyones heart stops, I'll drive around the block and have them touch my car! Are those static straps easy DIY install? Can't be too hard, right?

Also, I'm nearing 125,000km (78,000 miles), I've done all the required fluid change maintenence, etc. I've readily fixed everything that I've been told needs fixing for safety reasons by the mechanics who do a quick once over when I bring it in. Anything I should have them take a closer look at that they wouldn't normaly do?

I won't claim to know anything about cars, but a few Q's about my 03 Cavalier sedan

I replaced all 4 break pads almost exactly 1 year ago. Apparently my front pads are requiring replacing already. Is that normal wear, 1 year? I don't drive it or break hard that I'm aware of. Also, when I called around for quotes, the one person who wasn't busy quoted me for breaks *and* rotors. Do I need to replace rotors with new pads? Do they go hand in hand when being replaced? I can't recall what I did last time....

I get static shocks like a son of a bitch when I get out of my car (again) now that cooler season is on, if anyones heart stops, I'll drive around the block and have them touch my car! Are those static straps easy DIY install? Can't be too hard, right?

Also, I'm nearing 125,000km (78,000 miles), I've done all the required fluid change maintenence, etc. I've readily fixed everything that I've been told needs fixing for safety reasons by the mechanics who do a quick once over when I bring it in. Anything I should have them take a closer look at that they wouldn't normaly do?

One year is too soon for new brakes unless there's a problem. You can look at the front brake pads to check. Why do you think they need replacin' anyway? NOT because someone SAID so... Right?

The guy who said rotors too is on a fishing expedition. Don't bite.

I won't claim to know anything about cars, but a few Q's about my 03 Cavalier sedan

I replaced all 4 break pads almost exactly 1 year ago. Apparently my front pads are requiring replacing already. Is that normal wear, 1 year? I don't drive it or break hard that I'm aware of. Also, when I called around for quotes, the one person who wasn't busy quoted me for breaks *and* rotors. Do I need to replace rotors with new pads? Do they go hand in hand when being replaced? I can't recall what I did last time....

I get static shocks like a son of a bitch when I get out of my car (again) now that cooler season is on, if anyones heart stops, I'll drive around the block and have them touch my car! Are those static straps easy DIY install? Can't be too hard, right?

Also, I'm nearing 125,000km (78,000 miles), I've done all the required fluid change maintenence, etc. I've readily fixed everything that I've been told needs fixing for safety reasons by the mechanics who do a quick once over when I bring it in. Anything I should have them take a closer look at that they wouldn't normaly do? why do You suspect that pads need to be done again....brakes squealing?? When ever doing new pads it is recommended that the rotors or drums be resufaced as well to give the pads a level playing field to work on. Rotors are $ cheap $ for these cars so might as well swap them if you can`t remember and have to do pads. Also wouldn`t hurt to look at rear brakes and have them cleaned up and adjusted properly. I`ve got 175,000 km on my car, rears are still good just need clean and adjust once in awhile.
Extra power ? sell it to hydro one .............lol. last time I used static straps the just bolted on . find some metal under car and bolt up. rear axle ,where ever

Thanks for the replies.

I was told by the mechanic who does a once over when I get an oil change that the front pads need to be replaced. That garage has a bit of a reputation for making their own work, but the only mechanic I trust has a garage a few hours away, not always easy to get too.

So, if it's true or not, I don't know how to check for myself. There is no squealing or anything noticably wrong when driven. This is my first car and it has been nice to me so far, and it doubles a defibrillator :-)

If your brakes work fine ,no pull this way or that way when applied and have no mysterious noises then I`d let it be. Or take it somewhere else and let them have a look. Gm garages offer a brake service where they will clean up and relube front calipers and do back brakes as well.

So, if it's true or not, I don't know how to check for myself. )

Here's how:

http://www.motorera.com/dictionary/pics/d/disc_brake.jpg

Notice the 'viewing hole'.
http://www.familycar.com/Classroom/Images/Brake_Disk_Brake.gif

You're looking at dark material on these 2 pieces. As it wears down, metal rivets (2 to the left of the 'viewing hole', first pic) which hold it onto the 'metal' part get exposed, and tear into the rotor (coin-like part), and damage it. Usually, there is a tab which screeches before then, to let you know it's time for a change.
http://www.familycar.com/Classroom/Images/Brake_Pads.gif

Another pic of the 'material' that contacts the rotor (coin-like part).
http://www.familycar.com/Classroom/Images/Brake_Caliper.gif

Thanks, looks straight forward enough.

Another thing... the front outter pads on the cavaliers is about half the thickness of the inner pad starting out (so someone can make an honest mistake and think the outter pad is very worn), and the caliper slides are (IMO) a stupid design that seize up easily if not taken apart, cleaned and filled with grease every year or two. Pull the rubber inserts out, clean the rust out with a file, grease, and reinstall. Of course, grease the slide pins too.

or you could just replace the brakes and rotors yourself.. Probably just as easy as changing a tire. And ta boot, you get a lifetime garauntee when you buy the brakes, (Roughly anywhere from $20 up to $60 (60 for ceramic ones) and im not sure what the rotors are costing, but i know they are under the $100 range.... give it a whirl, the sense of accoplishment is great!