One essential aspect of your Acura’s beautifully honed handling is strong and reliable stopping power, but all brakes steadily wear down and eventually need new brake pads. The following warning signs will let you know when it’s time for new pads from your local Acura dealership.
Persistent Squealing Sounds
Modern brake pads are designed to let you know when they become dangerously thin. They do so by emitting a high-pitched squealing sound. If you only hear light squeaking, there may be some moisture or rust on a pad, which will soon disappear as you drive. A louder and more persistent squealing noise usually means at least one pad has to go.
Metal-on-Metal Grinding Sounds
When you press the brake pedal, it’s never good to hear metallic grinding or growling noises. When a brake pad is still in good shape, a friction layer separates the metal base from the rotor. If this friction layer wears away completely, you’ll hear harsh metallic grinding. This means the rotor is becoming scored, and you need a new pad immediately.
Pads Become Excessively Thin
In most cases, you can peer between the spokes of a car’s wheels to check on the brake pads. When you do, note how thick the friction layer is. If this friction layer wears down to a quarter of an inch or less, it’s time for a replacement.
When you bring your Acura in for routine brake inspections, the technician can also keep an eye on the thickness of each brake pad. They can then give you advanced notice when a pad is going to wear out soon.
Reduced Brake Force
If your car ever fails to slow or stop with its usual firmness, have your brake pads inspected at once. If they’re still in good condition, you may have a brake fluid leak on your hands, or the brake pads might have overheated due to continual use without pause in traffic.
Vehicle Pulling to One Side
When brakes weaken because of a worn-out pad or some kind of fault, the vehicle can sometimes tug to the side when slowing. This happens because the brakes on one side of the car are now stronger than those on the other.
Book Routine Brake Inspections at Your Acura Dealership
One of the very best things you can do for your brakes is have them inspected once or twice a year. A proper inspection entails raising the car so the wheels, pads, rotors, and calipers can be removed and closely examined. The fluid lines beneath the hood and undercarriage also need to be inspected for signs of wear, and the brake fluid will be checked and occasionally flushed.
Have your brake pads replaced today at Open Road Acura of Wayne in Wayne, NJ. We provide prompt, reliable, top-tier service for the region’s luxury car drivers.
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