Brake pads are an important component of your Honda’s braking system. They produce friction, and this friction slows and stops your wheels. The pads gradually wear out, and when this happens, it’s time to visit your Honda dealer for replacement. These are three signs that you’ll need to replace your pads very soon.
Signs You Need To Visit Your Honda Dealer for New Brake Pads
Screeching Noises
A screeching noise when you hit the brakes can be unnerving. Luckily, this annoying sound is a warning that your pads need replacement. The pads fit into the calipers, and a set of calipers is attached above each wheel rotor. The wheel rotors are smooth flat discs positioned just behind the tires. When you apply the brakes, the calipers grab both sides of each rotor and force them to a stop.
The pads have a friction material covering that generates friction against the rotors. This material is 1/2″ thick when new, but it slowly wears thinner each time you brake. When the friction material reaches 1/4″ thickness, a warning device in the form of a spike becomes visible. This spike scratches against the rotor surface when you brake, producing a screeching noise. We can fix this problem by replacing the pads.
Grinding Noises
An even more stressful noise is a harsh grinding noise when you brake. This sound is caused by pads that have completely worn down. The friction material covering the pads will continue to wear down if the pads aren’t replaced. Once the friction material has worn away, the bare metal of the pad’s backing plate will clamp against the rotor when you step on the brakes.
The metal-on-metal contact between the wheel rotors and the worn-out pads causes damage to the smooth surface of the rotors. The grinding noise is caused by the metal backing plates damaging the surface of the rotors. The longer this continues, the more damage will be done to the rotors. If you hear grinding noises, visit us ASAP, so we can replace the pads and prevent any damage.
You Take Longer to Stop
When you hit the brakes, you want your Honda to stop immediately. When your pads are in good condition, this is exactly what happens. When the friction material on the pads wears down, however, your brakes will take longer to apply. This delay is due to the longer time it takes for a thinner pad to slow and stop the wheel.
In addition, the thinner material covering means the calipers must move further to reach the rotors, and this causes a delay before the brakes activate. Replacing the worn pads will make your brakes faster and more responsive.
If you experience any of these issues, call our service department at Tony Honda Hilo, and we’ll fix the problem for you.
Image by : Honda.com
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