The brakes of your car are one of the first lines of defense against potential collisions. To keep you safe, they must be in proper functioning order and able to come to a complete stop in a short amount of time. Because of their importance, you shouldn’t just guess when you need to have your brakes checked; instead, follow these guidelines to know exactly when to have a mechanic take a look.
Follow Regular Intervals
Whether or not you notice any of the warning signs below that your brakes aren’t working properly, you should have them checked at regular intervals. Some experts suggest doing so every 15,000 miles or so, but the exact interval can vary. By checking your brakes regularly, you make certain that you don’t miss something and rule out issues, such as road debris becoming lodged between the rotor and pads or the brake calipers failing.
Unusual Sounds
When you first get your Honda, take the time to listen to how it sounds during normal driving and get used to this noise. If you notice anything odd when using the brakes in the future, it is a sign that they should be checked. Most cars will give off a high-pitched squeal if the brake pads need to be replaced. You should also watch out in case of a harsh grinding noise, as this indicates your brake pads have worn completely through.
Odd Vibrations
It is normal for the brake pedal to pulse when the antilock brakes kick into gear during an emergency stop. When a similar pulsing occurs during normal, nonemergency braking, however, you need to have someone look at your brakes. In most cases, the brake pedal will vibrate because of warped rotors, but a mechanic can determine the cause.
The Car Pulling
Sometimes when your car starts pulling either to the right or left despite driving straight, this is an issue with the brakes. It is possible that a caliper is stuck, there is a collapsed brake hose, or your brake pads are uneven. Pulling won’t always mean there’s an issue with your brakes, but it should always be checked out by a mechanic.
A Temperamental Pedal
Sometimes the brake pedal will go to one extreme or the other: It will engage the brakes with very little pressure or you need to apply considerable pressure for them to engage. If this happens, it might be due to issues in the hydraulic system or worn pads.
When it is time to have your brakes checked, visit the service center at Brannon Honda in Birmingham, Alabama, where we are familiar with all Honda models.
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