If you have a Honda, it is very important to replace your brakes on a regular basis. The brake pads in Honda cars are designed to be long-lasting and durable, and will need to be replaced every 40,000 to 50,000 miles depending on driving conditions. The recommended replacement schedule will be outlined in your owner’s manual.
Disc brakes
When brake pads wear out, a common problem is sticking brakes. A number of things can cause this, including the failure of the rubber protection boot or seal. Another cause of sticking brakes is the dry-out of the disc’s friction material. These problems can affect the brake’s braking performance and reduce fuel efficiency. Sticking brakes also cause extreme heating of the brake disc and excessive wear of the affected pad. Occasionally, they can also cause steering vibration.
In some cases, the disc’s hotter sections can reach extremely high temperatures, making it brittle and prone to forming cementite, a hard material that is not well suited to absorb heat. This compromises the disc’s integrity. Honda disc brakes are designed to withstand extreme heat, but discs must be inspected for signs of damage.
Honda disc brakes feature a ventilated front disc to minimize brake fade. The design of this disc features radial fins that force air through the disc’s outer surface, which carries away the heat. Most Honda models use four-wheel disc brakes. These are designed to reduce the overall weight of the car.
Honda disc brakes are made in Spain. However, some companies now produce Honda discs and pads in the United States. Honda uses two suppliers to keep its stock levels high. One is valeo, while the other is renault. Honda discs and pads can last for years when properly maintained.
Drum brakes
If your Honda Civic’s brakes aren’t performing as they should, you may need to replace them. Drum brakes are a very important part of your vehicle, and if you don’t properly maintain them, you risk the safety of yourself and others on the road. These brakes are located on the rear wheels and consist of brake pads that push against the drum when the brake is applied. Fortunately, you can replace the brake drums yourself, provided you have the proper tools and know-how. To change the brake drums, you must first park the car on a flat, firm surface. You should also engage the emergency brake and shift the car into second gear.
You can purchase brake caliper grease at an auto parts store. This will help make pressing the brake pedal easier, but you should be careful not to get the grease on the friction material. If the brake drums are rusty or glazed, you can use a piece of 80-grit sandpaper to remove the rust or glaze.
A soft brake pedal is one of the tell-tale signs that your drums need to be adjusted. If you notice that your car is spongy or pulling to one side, this is a sign that your brakes are causing pulsating. You may need to adjust the drums to improve their performance.
Anti-lock brakes
Honda Anti-lock brakes (ABS) help drivers maintain wheel traction during hard braking, so that tires do not skid. ABS works by monitoring the rotation speed of each wheel and applying or releasing braking pressure accordingly. The system can cycle up to 100 times per second, helping drivers maintain maximum traction on varying road surfaces.
When ABS does not function properly, a blown fuse or a bad relay may be the culprit. If you can find the location of the ABS fuse and replace it, the ABS system will work again. However, you should be aware that the ABS light may blink if there is snowbank or gravel road debris on the road.
Moreover, if your ABS has a malfunction, you should visit a reputable auto service center for a repair. They have the latest diagnostic tools to diagnose ABS problems. Most cars have standard anti-lock brakes. To check whether your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, consult the owner’s manual or look at the dashboard. If you see a warning light or a red or blue ABS light, you can stop your car.
If your Honda Anti-lock brakes light is flashing repeatedly or intermittently, you need to visit a mechanic. The ABS light may be a false alarm, or it could be a sign of more severe braking system problems. A mechanic can perform a diagnostic scan and determine whether your vehicle has a problem.