Noisy Brakes? 5 Tips to Keep Your Brakes Happy and Quiet

Sugar and I were out for a little Sunday drive when we rounded a sharp corner and she started to screech like a caged cat.  It was such a horrible noise, that I stopped right in the middle of what was (luckily!) an almost desereted street. I made a quick phone call to a friend who knows a lot more about cars than I do and he had me drive the short distance to his house.  He heard me coming a half a block away as I slowly inched along.  After surmising I hadn't run over a lawn mower, we took Sugar for a spin around the block.  My friend listened closely and determined I had a rock caught in my brakes.

Neat.

I got lucky and reversing my car eventually flipped the rock out, but if that hadn't worked, I would have hauled Sugar in to my Ken Garff Honda of Orem dealership for a little brake check.  While I was waiting for my car expert to diagnose me, I started doing a little brake homework of my own and learned a few useful tips from Honda about brake care and maintenance.  

Brake Squeal and Wear Indicators

All four brakes have audible brake wear indicators. When the brake pads need replacing, you will hear a distinctive metallic "screeching" sound when you apply the brakes. If you do not have the brake pads replaced, they will begin screeching all the time.

Your brakes may sometimes squeal or squeak when you apply them lightly. Do not confuse this with the brake wear indicators. They make a very audible "screeching."

Low Brake fluid

If your brake fluid is low, it may be leaking or your brakes could be worn.

Flushing the Brake Fluid

Brake fluid is hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture. And when that moisture finds its way into your braking system, it can corrode metal and seals.

Flushing the system with new fluid removes the condensation before extensive damage can occur.

When flushing the system, always use Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3. If this specific fluid is not available, you should use only DOT 3 or DOT 4 fluid from a sealed container, but only as a temporary replacement. The use of any non-Honda brake fluid can cause corrosion and may decrease the life of the system.

Honda Genuine Brake Pads

It stands to reason that Honda Genuine Brake Rotors function best with Honda Genuine Brake Pads. Particularly since Honda brake pads are extensively tested on Honda vehicles in the most intense braking situations and extreme environments. Made from a balance of hard and soft materials, Honda Brake Pads can effectively help prevent premature disc wear and minimize noise.

• Precisely engineered and manufactured with state-of-the-art materials for superior performance, proper wear and long life.
• Specially designed to dampen noise and reduce vibration.

Includes high-insulating shims and specially formulated grease.

Honda Genuine Brake Rotors

Brake rotors are vital to dissipating the heat that comes from the pads every time you brake. Honda Genuine Brake Rotors are built to take that heat time and again for lasting performance and reliability. They’re made with the optimum mix of materials and compounds to safely withstand long periods of wear and to help prevent overheating and warping.

As always, the helpful Honda Service Center staff can help you determine what will keep your car running smoothly and safely!