What brakes does Acura use?
As a car owner, knowing the specifics of your vehicle's braking system is crucial for maintenance and safety. Acura, a luxury vehicle division of Honda, is known for its performance and reliability, and its braking systems are no exception. In this article, we will explore the types of brakes used in Acura vehicles, their components, and the importance of regular maintenance.
Types of Brakes Used in Acura Vehicles
Acura vehicles typically utilize two main types of braking systems: disc brakes and drum brakes. The choice of brake type often depends on the model and year of the vehicle.
- Disc Brakes: Most modern Acura models are equipped with disc brakes on both the front and rear wheels. Disc brakes provide better stopping power and heat dissipation compared to drum brakes, making them ideal for high-performance vehicles.
- Drum Brakes: Some older Acura models may still use drum brakes, particularly on the rear wheels. While they are generally less effective than disc brakes, they are often lighter and less expensive to manufacture.
Key Components of Acura Braking Systems
The braking system in Acura vehicles consists of several key components that work together to ensure effective stopping power:
- Brake Pads: These are the friction materials that press against the brake rotors to create the necessary stopping force.
- Brake Rotors: The discs that the brake pads clamp down on to slow down or stop the vehicle.
- Calipers: These house the brake pads and are responsible for applying pressure to them when the brake pedal is pressed.
- Brake Lines: These carry brake fluid from the master cylinder to the calipers, allowing for the transfer of force when braking.
Importance of Regular Brake Maintenance
Maintaining your Acura's braking system is essential for safety and performance. Here are some tips for ensuring your brakes remain in top condition:
- Regular Inspections: Have your brakes inspected at least once a year or whenever you notice any unusual sounds or performance issues.
- Brake Pad Replacement: Replace brake pads when they become worn down to ensure optimal stopping power.
- Brake Fluid Checks: Regularly check and replace brake fluid as needed to maintain hydraulic pressure in the braking system.
- Watch for Warning Signs: Pay attention to warning lights on your dashboard and any changes in braking performance.
In conclusion, understanding the braking systems used in Acura vehicles is vital for any owner. By staying informed and proactive about maintenance, you can ensure your vehicle remains safe and reliable on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of braking system is used in cars?
The primary braking system used in most modern vehicles is the hydraulic braking system. Hydraulic braking systems use brake fluid to move parts like brake pads or shoes that enable your car to slow down.
How much should a full brake job cost?
A complete brake repair that includes pads, rotors, and calipers typically averages between $200 and $800 depending on the vehicle and parts used.
Are OEM brakes better than aftermarket?
Each option has its own list of pros and cons. Genuine OEM parts typically offer better reliability, warranties and fitment than aftermarket parts. On the other hand, you have more variety with aftermarket or third-party auto parts, and they may even perform better than OEM components when towing large loads or racing.
How long do Acura brakes last?
30,000-40,000 miles
For the most part, however, brakes will last 30,000-40,000 miles.
What kind of brake pads come from the factory?
On the other hand, OEM brake pads are often semi-metallic and are made of various metallic materials, such as shredded metal wire, iron powder, and steel wool. Ceramic and OEM brake pad manufacturers use different metallic materials to make their products.
How much is a brake job on an Acura?
The average cost for an Acura TL Brake Pad Replacement is between $234 and $270. Labor costs are estimated between $84 and $106 while parts are priced between $150 and $164.
What is the downside of ceramic brake pads?
Cons: Higher Cost: Ceramic brake pads tend to be more expensive than organic and semi-metallic options. Not Ideal for Extreme Conditions: While they perform well under most conditions, ceramic pads may not be as effective for extreme driving situations, such as high-speed racing or heavy towing.
What is the braking system on the Acura?
Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™)*
The system can alert you when a potential collision is determined, and reduce your vehicle speed to help minimize collision severity when a collision is deemed unavoidable.
What are Honda OEM brake pads?
Genuine Honda brake pads are specifically designed to fit your Honda cars, unlike aftermarket brake pads that are made for a wide variety of vehicles. Buying the OEM component guarantees the best performance and quality.
Who makes Acura OEM brakes?
Akebono
Akebono develops, tests and manufactures a range of advanced automotive brake components and friction materials that meet the needs of our OEM customers and vehicle owners throughout North America.
