The various components that make up your car’s brakes will tend to wear down at different rates. If you learn how to tell when each part needs repair or replacement, you’ll be able to respond promptly and avoid any serious brake problems. Visit your local Acura dealer for brake repair if you notice any of the following signs of trouble.
Does Your Acura Need a Brake Repair?
Worn Down Brake Pads
Brake pads bear the brunt of the work whenever you activate your brakes. By clamping the rotors, the brake pads generate friction which stops your car and also wears away a bit of the brake pad’s friction layer each time.
Brake pads tend to last around 30,000 to 35,000 miles under normal urban usage. When a brake pad is on its last legs, it will usually emit a high-pitched squealing sound, indicating it’s time for a new one.
Damaged Rotor Discs
Rotor discs are made of tougher materials and last a good deal longer than brake pads. You can expect well-maintained rotors to last around 50,000 to 70,000 miles.
When rotors wear thin, they can begin to warp out of shape. Sometimes they also become scored by the brake pads. A damaged rotor will often cause rhythmic vibrations in the brake pedal or steering wheel.
Overheating Pads or Rotors
One of the biggest dangers with car brakes is the risk of overheating. When you use your brakes continually for long periods, such as in heavy stop-and-go traffic, they can reach extreme temperatures.
This heat sometimes causes damage to both rotors and brake pads and can even temporarily rob your brakes of stopping power. If you ever find your brakes failing to slow your car properly, pull over at once and allow them to cool down.
Leaking Brake Hoses
Brake hoses are filled with brake fluid, which maintains a high level of hydraulic pressure. If any of your hoses leak brake fluid, air will seep in and the hydraulic pressure will be reduced.
Leaking brake fluid may cause a spongy sensation when you press the brake pedal, and your brakes may also lose stopping force. It’s best not to drive with a possible brake fluid leak. Have a technician find and repair it without delay.
Malfunctioning Calipers
The calipers are the sturdy casing mechanism that clamps the pads onto the rotors. If a stone gets stuck in a caliper, or if one of the clamps, pins, or screws comes loose, you may hear a grinding or clattering sound whenever you brake.
How Often To Visit Your Acura Dealer for Brake Servicing
Along with responding quickly to brake trouble, it’s important to have your car’s brakes serviced at least twice a year. If you regularly commute in heavy traffic or use your brakes more than usual for other reasons, consider having them serviced even more frequently than this.
Visit Open Road Acura of East Brunswick today to have your brakes checked and repaired by experienced professionals. We’re an award-winning local dealership with a highly trained, courteous staff dedicated to delivering a consistently top-notch customer experience.
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