Pressing the brake pedal should make your car stop. It's because your Honda Accord brake pads are rubbing against its rotors and the principles of physics–like friction–make it decelerate. Those same principles cause your brake pads to wear out eventually. Restoring your car's braking is a straightforward process, often requiring only a new set of brake pads. Fortunately, AutoZone makes it simple to choose well-fitting brakes for your Accord.
How Do Brake Pads Work?
Brake pads have a block of friction material bonded to a backing plate, and two pads sandwich a brake rotor. When you press the brake pedal, hydraulic pressure forces the brake caliper to squeeze your 2003 Honda Accord brake pads and rotors together, and the friction makes your car slow down.
The friction material you choose for your
Honda Accord brake pads will differ depending on your expectations. For low noise stops at an economical price, organic brake pads are a logical choice. For the best stopping power, low noise, and long-lasting wear, ceramic brake pads might be the option to go with. And for a mid-range choice, semi-metallic brake pads provide long-lasting wear and reliable stopping but with a bit more brake noise.
Signs that Brake Pads and Rotors are Bad
When your 2003 Accord brake pad replacement is due, it's common for your Accord to brake differently. Noises might appear or get louder, such as grinding or squealing as you come to a stop. You might notice it pulls to one side when braking or it takes longer to come to a halt. The same is true for brake rotors– a shimmy in the steering wheel or pulsation in the pedal can be signs that your rotors are warped or badly worn.
Your
brake pad replacement cost will depend on whether you need brake pads alone or rotors as well. If it's just brake pads you need to change, expect a range between $30 and $80 per axle for the parts.
How to Select the Right Accord Brake Pads
It's paramount that the brake pads you choose are designed to fit your vehicle perfectly, whether your car is a sedan or coupe or it's the 4-cylinder or V6. Filter the options available by year, make, model, and engine size to see the brake pad sets at AutoZone that work for your car, from popular brands like Duralast. Take advantage of Free Same-Day In-Store or Curbside Pickup, or get you parts sent to you with Free Next-Day Delivery on eligible orders.