How Often Should You Service Your Brakes?
Toyota recommends that you change your brake fluid every two years or 20,000 miles, although there are a number of factors that may affect the specific interval, including the amount you drive, the time of year, the age of your vehicle, and the conditions of the road. You'll also likely need to have your brake pads replaced by a certified technician every 20,000 to 60,000 miles. When brake pads wear down, it can affect the stopping power of your vehicle and cause it to make noise.
If your brake pads measure three or fewer millimeters and you notice squeaking or squealing when you brake, they probably need replacing. When to replace your brakes depends largely on your driving habits. If you frequently commute in heavy traffic, your brakes may wear down more, and you should try to schedule regular brake service every six months or 20,000 miles. Scheduled maintenance by an authorized Toyota dealer is often necessary for your vehicle to maintain its warranty.
Car brakes can last up to 60,000 miles, but it's important to avoid letting them go too long without a checkup. Your brakes and rotors won't be as effective if they get worn. Urban traffic, downhill braking, and a variety of other factors can cause regular wear and tear on your brakes. You can usually tell if your brakes need servicing if you notice that it takes you longer to come to a stop or your vehicle shakes, vibrates, sways, or makes noises while braking. Increased brake dust around your wheels may also indicate that they need to be replaced.
What Does Brake Service Include?
Brake service is a comprehensive tune-up that assesses the quality and condition of your brakes and makes recommendations for you to repair or replace them. Quality brake service flushes out your old brake fluid and replaces it with new fluid. You can usually tell if your brake fluid is old if it appears discolored or dirty. Brake service also involves replacing your brake pads, resurfacing your motors, and cleaning, adjusting, or repairing other brake components.
There's no better place to take your Toyota to get its brakes serviced than a certified Toyota dealer. Like tire rotations and oil changes, brake serving is a regular part of vehicle maintenance, and taking your car to a dealership can help you extend its lifespan. Dealerships can offer you quality service that you might not get elsewhere. They can also equip your vehicle with the proper brake parts. Installing genuine Toyota brake pads and components can help you achieve the proper fit, allowing you to extend the life of your rotors and reduce brake dust.
Tips for Maximizing Brake Life
By maximizing your brake life, you can reduce repair costs and avoid causing damage to your brake disks or other components. Here are some tips you can use to maximize your brake life and improve the performance of your vehicle:
Schedule Regular Service
If it's been a while since your last visit or you notice that something's wrong with your brakes, it's a good idea to schedule brake service. At Performance Toyota, we're proud to offer Toyota drivers in the central Ohio area access to a full brake service center, complete with factory-trained technicians. At our facility, you can sit back and relax while our friendly team takes a look at your brakes. We'll perform a complete inspection, diagnose any issues you've been having, and immediately provide you with a repair estimate.
We also offer a wide range of genuine parts for you to order from if you need new rotors, pads, or wheel sensors. Our technicians can install the parts for you and ensure that they work properly, regardless of your model. In addition, we offer a variety of service specials, allowing you to save big on routine maintenance.
Perform an Inspection
You can also inspect your brakes at home to ensure they work properly. Find a safe place to test your brakes and check the brake pedal pulsation. You can then use a measuring tape to check the thickness of your brake pads.
Clean Your Brakes
Keep your brakes clean by applying a brake cleaner at regular intervals. You can also use a high-pressure hose to get in between your wheels. Cleaning your brakes often helps keep the dust and debris away, helping to maximize their performance.
The next time you need your brakes inspected or repaired, head over to Performance Toyota or schedule an appointment online. You can also give us a call at 513-874-5535. We proudly serve the Fairfield, Cincinnati, Hamilton, Middletown, and Mason areas, and we're committed to offering all customers the high-quality service they deserve at an affordable price.