Acura recommends brake inspections with every other oil change and about a year’s worth of driving. Brake inspections are an economical way to prevent catastrophic brake failure.
Brake parts are wear items. Brake pads and rotors lose a small quantity of their substance and become thinner each time you brake. When these items reach Acura’s wear limit, it’s time for a replacement. Each person’s brakes wear differently. Whether you drive mostly highway miles or in the city influences how long your Acura brakes will last.
Because it’s impossible to know how long your brake parts will last, regular inspections should be on your radar. The following symptoms can often discern brake problems:
- Squealing sound while braking
- Burning smell after braking
- Vibration during braking
- Brake warning light on
- Longer stopping distance than usual
Brake fluid transfers your foot pedal force to the master cylinder. The master cylinder has a piston that compresses the brake fluid. Lines carry the power contained in the fluid to brake pads held in calipers that wrap around the brake rotors. As well as regular pad and rotor service, we will replace the brake fluid on the Acura factory schedule every other year.
Using your brakes generates heat. The brake pads rub powerfully against the rotors resulting in friction force slowing your vehicle. Much of the heat ends up in the brake fluid, which means brake fluid must be able to absorb lots of heat before it boils. If you subject your car to frequent hard braking or haul heavy loads, you may need DOT 4 fluid with its higher boiling point. Ceramic pads may be the answer for you if you track your NSX or drive like you are on a track.
Because it absorbs moisture and other contamination, brake fluid requires regular replacement. Hot brake fluid readily absorbs water, resulting in a lower boiling point of the brake fluid. Water in the brake fluid also causes corrosion in your internal brake parts requiring replacement before their time.
Contaminated brake fluid may boil under hard braking resulting in faded brakes. Hot climates will exaggerate this tendency. Boiling brake fluid will have bubbles giving you a soft brake pedal that has to travel farther for the same braking action. Complete brake failure may be subsequent if this condition is allowed to remain.
Common Acura brake problems:
- 2017-2019 Acura MDX rear calipers
- Acura MDX sticking caliper pistons
- Acura RDX scored rotors
- Acura NSX seized brake caliper pistons
- Acura NSX malfunctioning brake lights
The safety of your family depends on brake inspections and brake fluid replacement.
Because of brake wear, slack in the hand brake cables occurs. These cables need tightening for the hand (emergency) brake system to operate. As part of our brake service, we include hand brake adjustment.
We have dedicated brake repair experts. Whether you have a MDX, RDX, or an NSX we have expert technicians who have seen it all. Call us or visit our website for a quote and book an appointment for a brake inspection or any service you require.