How Often Should I Schedule Brake Repair near Me?

There’s no specific schedule for getting your brakes replaced, but it’s still important to have them regularly inspected by a licensed technician each time you bring your vehicle in for routine maintenance. A good time to do this is when you have your tires rotated, about every six months.

According to the Honda maintenance schedule, drivers who operate under normal conditions will wish to keep an eye on their brakes at least this often:

• Inspect front brakes, rear brakes, and the parking brake at least every 15,000 miles or 12 months
• At the same time, inspect brake hoses, lines, and fluid
• Every 45,000 miles, replace the brake fluid

As a general rule of thumb, you should start paying close attention to your brakes around 40,000 miles. This is the point where they might continue to be fine for a while longer or you may need to trade out some parts.

Which Drivers Need Brake Repair More Often?

The lifespan of your brakes depends on how frequently you drive and under what type of conditions. If you live in a high-traffic region, like a city or a busy suburb, the constant stop-and-go traffic will wear down your brakes sooner than if you live in a more rural setting.

If you find yourself driving in severe conditions, it’s recommended you perform the full brake inspection every 7,500 miles. These are the types of driving behaviors that qualify as severe:

• Driving less than five miles per trip
• Driving frequently in freezing or hot (over 90° F) conditions
• Idling extensively or stop-and-go driving for long periods
• Driving in mountainous conditions
• Driving extensively on muddy or dusty roads

Some of these behaviors might be a necessary part of your life. You can always work to increase your brakes’ longevity by driving cautiously so you can brake more gently.

What Are Signs I Need My Brakes Repaired?

Here’s a handy checklist of some signals cars display when their brakes need attention:

• Odd noises when braking
• Vibration as you brake
• Pulling to one side or stopping more slowly than normal

If one of those descriptions sounds familiar, check out the section below that explains a little more about the common cause.

Odd Noises When Braking

If you notice your brakes are making any squealing, squeaking, or grinding noises when you place your foot on the brake pedal, they most likely have an issue that needs attention. The sound of metal grinding against metal is serious and means your brake pads are completely worn. You should immediately schedule a service appointment and have them replaced.

Vibration as You Brake

If you notice any vibration occurring when you step on the brake pedal, it most likely means your brake rotors are warped. This occurs when the rotors experience excessive friction and are unable to be held evenly by the brake pads.

Pulling to One Side or Stopping More Slowly Than Normal

If you notice your vehicle pulls to one side instead of stopping in a straight line, your brake lining or brake fluid might need to be replaced.

Another sign your brakes need attention is an obvious one: reduced stopping power. If your pedal sinks to the floor when you tap it or if it takes you longer than normal to come to a full stop, immediately schedule a service appointment to have your brakes inspected.

I’m Still Not Sure Whether My Brakes Need Repairs

If your car is still a mystery, we’ll help you gather the clues you need. With Honda Express Service, one of our skilled technicians will look over your car for any current or imminent repair needs. This overview covers over 20 items and includes an oil change, too.

What Should I Expect When I Get Brakes Repaired?

The length of time that brake repairs require varies by the task. The following are just estimates since every car experiences slightly different wear and tear:

• Brake pad replacement: 30-60 minutes
• Changing brake fluid: About one hour
• Full brake replacement: Around two hours

You’re welcome to spend a little time relaxing or working at our dealership while we get your Honda road-ready. The comfortable seating and free Wi-Fi give you both options. You’ll also have access to a play area to keep your energetic little ones entertained, and our on-site café is available if you’ve dropped by during your lunch break.