2018 Civic brake pad replacement: fluid, caliper cleaning, and torque.

[KyleTJ]

I'm planning to replace the brake pads on my 2018 Honda Civic for the first time this weekend. I've done basic maintenance before, but brakes make me a bit nervous. I've watched a few tutorials and have the new pads, but I'm unsure about a couple of practical details. Do I absolutely need to replace the brake fluid at the same time, or can I just compress the caliper piston? Also, what's the best method for cleaning the caliper bracket and contact points without introducing contaminants? I don't have a torque wrench; is it critical to torque the caliper bolts to spec, or can I just get them "good and tight"? Any tips for avoiding common mistakes on this specific model would be greatly appreciated.