First-time brake pad replacement on 2018 Honda Civic: rotors, pistons, slide pins, a

[Kenneth_M]

I'm planning to replace the brake pads on my 2018 Honda Civic for the first time this weekend to save some money, and I've watched a few tutorials that make it seem straightforward, but I'm nervous about getting it right for obvious safety reasons. I've already purchased the pads and have a basic socket set, but I'm unsure about a few specifics, like whether I need to also replace the rotors or if machining them is sufficient, and the proper procedure for compressing the caliper piston without damaging it. For those who have done this job, what are the most common mistakes a first-timer should avoid during a brake pad replacement? How do you check for proper caliper slide pin movement, and what's the best way to bed in the new pads once everything is reassembled?