Signs It’s Time To Change Your 2007 Honda Accord Brake Pads and Rotors

Nothing lasts forever, especially not braking system parts. As consumable products, they eventually wear out with repeated use. Just how fast they wear out depends on your driving habits and conditions. You’ll notice some telltale signs when your 2007 Honda Accord brake pads and rotors need to be changed. 

What Are Signs of Worn Brake Pads and Rotors

To understand why brake pads and rotors wear down, you should know the mechanics of how they work. Every time you hit the brakes, your Accord’s calipers and pads grip around each rotor. This action slows down your wheels using friction. And that friction creates a lot of heat. In commuter vehicles, braking temperatures can reach up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Over time, that heat and friction erode brake pads’ and rotors’ surfaces. When that happens, you’ll notice some typical signs:

• Slow braking response
• Longer stopping distance
• Grinding or squealing sounds
• Pedal seems squishy or spongy
• Excess vibration
• Swerving to the side when braking

Both pads and rotors exhibit physical characteristics when they’re worn down. Pads should be changed when they measure ¼-inch thick or less. Rotors will also show visual damage. This generally happens at around the 40,000-mile mark for pads and about 70,000 miles for rotors.

What Are The Best Brake Pads?

Brake pads for the consumer market can contain organic, semi-metallic or ceramic materials. 

Organic pads usually combine carbon, glass, fiberglass or rubber with natural resins. They’re the least expensive and quiet, low-dust stopping for commuters who don’t do much intense driving. 

Semi-metallic pads contain iron, copper, steel or other metals blended with graphite lubricant. While they’re louder and produce more dust, they also conduct heat better and need less braking pressure to stop. 

Ceramic pads mingle ceramic particles with copper threads. They’re often pricier, but they produce far less dust and almost no noise during braking.

Most manufacturers offer these three types of brake pads. For instance, Duralast Honda Accord brake pads come in both organic, semi-metallic and ceramic formulations. They incorporate corrosion-resistant powder-coated backing plates and single-layer steel shims for reduced noise. Most Duralast Gold pads are made of ceramic and feature multilayered rubber core steel shims for superior noise dampening. Their key benefits include ultra-quiet braking with super-low levels of dust.

What Rotors Do You Need?

While you may see drilled and slotted rotors, most consumer rotors have blank surfaces. They deliver solid performance along with quieter braking and longer lifespans. Duralast rotors contain a high-strength alloy that withstands day-to-day use, but they’re also balanced for more fluid stopping. Made from high-carbon steel, Duralast Gold rotors cut down noise even further and disperse heat for world-class braking performance.

When you search for brake pads and “brake rotors near me,” you’ll want to keep a few things in mind. Choosing a reputable retailer gives you access to a large selection of parts plus expertise from dedicated service professionals. Knowing your driving habits and budget can help you select Honda Accord brake parts that best meet your needs.