Penske Honda Ontario

Sep 8, 2023
Honda driving
Honda Accord. Photo: Honda.

Let’s look at some of the most common warning signs that a car’s brakes need professional attention. If you experience any of the issues below, don’t hesitate to visit your local Honda dealer for brake repair. 

5 Signs Your Honda Needs a Brake Repair

Squeaking or Squealing Sounds

Whenever you use your brakes, the brake pads clamp onto the rotor discs. This generates the friction required to slow your vehicle and causes the brake pads to steadily wear down over time. 

When brake pads reach a certain minimum safe level of thickness, you’ll hear a high-pitched squealing or squeaking sound. This noise is generated intentionally to let you know it’s time to replace at least one of your brake pads. 

Metallic Grinding Sounds

A loud metallic grinding when braking sound is a symptom of more urgent trouble. Grinding often means that one of your brake pads has lost its friction layer altogether and the pad’s metal casing is scraping directly on the rotor, which may be causing a lot of damage. It’s wise to have the worn-out brake pad replaced immediately. 

Vibrations in the Pedal or Steering Wheel

Rotors tend to last a lot longer than brake pads, but over time, rotors become thinned by friction. When worn out by age or weakened by overheating, rotors can sometimes warp out of shape. 

This may create vibrations that you’ll feel through the brake pedal or even through the steering wheel. If it’s not too old, a warped rotor might be restored with a resurfacing process. Otherwise, it will have to go. 

Reduced Braking Responsiveness

The most dangerous of brake problems is a sudden reduction in responsiveness. If you find that pressing the brake pedal isn’t stopping your car as promptly as usual, pull over as safely as you can and try to figure out the problem.

You may have a little moisture in the braking system or temporary overheating from overuse. However, the problem might also be more serious, such as a fault in the master cylinder or leaking brake fluid.

Brake Fluid Puddling Under Your Car

Brake fluid maintains hydraulic pressure inside the brake lines, which allows stopping power to transfer from the brake pedal to the calipers. If brake fluid ever leaks, you may see a puddle of yellow or brown liquid under your car. Your brakes are also likely to become soft or spongy underfoot. 

How Often To Visit Your Honda Dealer for a Brake Inspection

Routine brake inspection is one of the most important servicing visits to have at your local dealership. It’s generally recommended to have your brakes serviced whenever you have your tires rotated, which might be every 5,000 miles or about twice a year. 

Visit Penske Honda Ontario today to have your brake problems resolved by experienced technicians.