How do I change my break pads?

You need to buy a Haynes Manual for your car. Be sure and change the brake fluid afterwards and use silicone grease on the caliper pins. Stay away from "budget" pads. Go with OEM of the same material that came on the car. There are a lot of junky pads on the market.

1. Get in car
2. drive to mechanic
3. pay mechanic.

They are actually not hard to change, it helps in many cars to have some special tools to hold the spring down. But honestly if you want to do it, hire someone to show you the first couple of times.

This is a fairly good site that gives you specific details