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How Long Do Honda Brake Pads Last?
Your brake pads apply pressure to the brake disc and are attached directly to each wheel. This pressure generates the friction your car needs to safely slow down or stop. This makes your Honda brake parts critical components in your brake system.
In this guide, we will discuss the various brake pads available for your Honda. And, what to look for if you think your brake discs or pads are in need of replacement. Additionally, we cover how to extend the life of your Honda’s brake pads.
What are the different types of brake pads?
As there are many different brake pads to choose from, it can be difficult to know which pads you need for your make and model of car. Every Honda vehicle is different and will need the right brake pads for your specific model and year. At Cox Motor Parts, we stock a range of brake discs and pads, from Honda Civic brake discs to Honda Jazz brake discs and pads.
We’ve put together the following list of all the main differences between the most common types of brake pads.
Organic brake pads
Organic brake pads are non-polluting due to their organic composition and are simple to dispose of. Generally, these brake pads are made from organic materials such as fibre, glass, rubber, and Kevlar.
Organic brake pads are softer than most other brake pads, which results in a quieter ride and means they wear out quickly and generate a lot of brake dust. They are ideally suited for situations involving lightweight vehicles that do not need extensive harsh braking.
Ceramic brake pads
Ceramic brake pads are often more environmentally friendly and quieter than other materials. Carbon-ceramic brakes provide excellent stopping power and effectively dissipate heat. They are ideal for most routine driving situations since they emit very little dust or noise and are durable.
A lot of international and local cars are fitted with ceramic brake pads from the factory. Ceramic brake pads also outlast semi-metallic brake pads.
Semi-metallic brake pads
Semi-metallic brake pads provide excellent stopping force and excellent heat dissipation.
However, they are more abrasive and produce more dust than ceramic brake pads. Additionally, since this kind of pad is built with stronger friction compounds than most others, it may cause your brake discs to wear more aggressively. These brake pads may not perform appropriately in colder weather, so are best for drivers in warmer climates.
How long do brake pads last?
On average, brake pads will last between 25,000 and 65,000 miles before they need replacing. However, they may show signs of wear before this point and need replacing. Make sure you look out for any key signs that your brake pads are worn and replace them when you need to.
Signs your brake pads need replacing
While you may not think about them constantly, you rely on your brake pads every time you push down on the brake pedal. If your brake pads are old and thin, they will not provide enough stopping force when you need it most.
For you and your passengers’ safety, it is essential to inspect your brake pads regularly – try and include inspection during routine vehicle maintenance.
This allows you to detect minor issues before they lead to brake failure.
Severe rubbing noise
New brake sounds are not usually indicative of a problem. Perhaps a foreign item has been stuck in your car brakes (a pebble or debris). But, a rubbing noise may be a sign your brake pad is worn. A high-pitched screech is produced when metal fragments in your brake pad contact the brake disc.
Grinding sounds, whether from disc or drum brakes, may indicate that the brake pad or shoe is scraping against metal contact points. This means that your brake pads require a service or replacement.
Warning light
Another sign to look out for is a warning light on your dashboard. The brake system light is standard in all Honda vehicles and assists you in monitoring the quality of your braking performance and pressure. This warning light will come on the dashboard when it detects that the Honda brake pads have reached a specific amount of wear.
If you notice this light in your vehicle, do not ignore it. If you allow your brake pads to deteriorate excessively, they may cause damage to your brakes, significantly increasing the cost of repairs.
Soft brake pedal
One of the most severe issues you might have with your car is spongy brakes. It’s a sign of a more serious issue. More importantly, it keeps you from stopping your car as early as you should.
Spongy brakes may indicate a leak, and a minor leak might quickly become a large one with a single application of the brakes.
Difficulty controlling your car’s movement when braking
While this might be due to various vehicle difficulties, it could also be a faulty brake line or calliper. When this happens with the front brakes, one brake can operate normally while the other does not. This results in a pull in the direction of the braking force producing side. When just one rear calliper is malfunctioning, it may go undetected.
What can I do to make my brake pads last?
Whether you believe it or not, the solution is far more straightforward than you think. The simplest thing you can do is change your driving style to make your brake pads last. A few adjustments to your driving habits can make you a safer driver but will most certainly extend the life of your brake pads.
Clean your car brakes
Over time, dust and grime collect on the brakes, impairing their function. Cleaning your brakes once a year improves performance and extends the life of the brakes. Additionally, you’ll want the brake fluid regularly cleaned about every 25,000 miles.
If the brake fluid is filthy or low, it will eventually reach the brake pads. The brake fluid lubricates the whole braking system, including the brake pedals, and when contaminated, the pedals will not function properly, which will affect the pads.
Take out any heavy items from your car
Overloading your car reduces the life of your brakes dramatically. The heavier your car gets, the more difficult it is for the brakes to work to bring it to a halt. Remove any excessive items and avoid loading your cars with more weight than they can adequately manage.
Handle your brake pads with care
Excessive braking causes more friction, generating considerable heat and putting undue pressure on your front brakes.
Avoid braking at the last minute. Instead, reduce your speed gradually and softly grip the pedal until you come to a complete halt. Your driving style and the driving conditions can assist in prolonging the life of your brakes, but it is also typically safer.
Try to avoid busy routes
More braking is required while driving in heavy traffic. Increased braking increases the wear and tear on your brake pads. While avoiding rush hour may not be simple, it will extend the life of your brake pads.
The same is valid for motorway driving. When braking at an incredible speed, more friction is created, causing the pads to rub more and more. Try to take routes where you won’t have to suddenly reduce speed.
Leave a respectable distance between your car and the car in front
The brakes’ biggest adversary is high speed. The faster you go, the more power your vehicle’s braking system must use to bring the car to a halt. Maintain a modest speed in congested areas and prevent abrupt braking. Also, allow a suitable following distance between you and the vehicle in front of you to cruise to a safe, effortless stop.
How much does it cost to replace your brake pads?
The cost of replacing your brake pads will depend on the make, model and year of your vehicle. It will also depend on how many brake pads need replacing and whether you are making the changes yourself or paying for labour.
Where can I buy replacement brake parts?
The best way to buy replacement brake parts for your Honda is to source them from a genuine dealer. At Cox Motor Parts, we only stock genuine Honda parts, including:
- Honda Civic brake discs and pads
- Honda CR-V brake discs and pads
- Honda Jazz brake discs and pads
- Honda Civic Type-R brake discs and pads
- Honda Elysion brake discs and pads
When you purchase genuine Honda products, they are manufactured to suit your vehicle exactly.
Find the right brake pads for your Honda
Brake pads and discs will eventually need replacement. However, if you follow these helpful tips for maintaining your brake pads, you can help keep your brake parts in good condition for longer.
For more information on how to care for your Honda, read some of our other guides:
