How Often Should My Brakes Be Checked?
Is It Time to Check Your Brakes in Dothan, AL?
Our service technicians here at Toyota of Dothan hear this question frequently from our customers from Ozark and Enterprise, and most times they’ll answer yes. Why? While the tires of a vehicle hold a good bit of stopping power, it’s your vehicle’s brakes that will need some professional attention from time to time. It can be easy to put off service for your Toyota, but neglecting maintenance can place you and your passengers (plus everyone else on the road) at risk. So what are some of the warning signs for your vehicle’s brakes that you should pay attention to? Keep reading, and if your brakes are cause for concern, schedule your appointment with our team today!
A Primer on Brakes.
Most vehicles on the road today are equipped with disc brakes, so your Toyota probably is, too. So how do they work? Wrapped with brake pads, the calipers squeeze a rotor (also called a disc) when you press the brake pedal. The calipers cause enough friction to slow and stop your Toyota, and need a constant stream of brake fluid in order to work properly. One malfunction in the system could cause it to fail — and no one wants that. Our technicians have noticed that worn-down brake pads are the most frequent culprits. They’re supposed to be at least a quarter of an inch thick, and if your brake pads are not changed when needed, your vehicle’s rotors can be damaged from the constant friction.
Location Matters.
Your commute has a big impact on the performance of your Toyota — especially your brakes. If you’re frequently stuck in stop-and-go traffic, the constant stopping, starting, slowing and veering is hard on your brakes (and tires), which will wear down your brake pads quicker than those who have a straight shot to their home and office. How you drive also affects your car. If you tend to drive more aggressively or slam on your brakes, you’ll want to bring in your model for an inspection more often, like with every oil change. For the rest of us, schedule a brake inspection every six months, or whenever you have your tires rotated.
Warning Signs.
If you’re in between service and something seems off about how your vehicle drives, pay attention to these warning signs below:
- Dashboard light appears for brakes
- Vehicle takes longer to come to a complete stop
- Vibrating or shaking sensation when braking
- Screeching or squealing brakes
These symptoms require a professional to diagnose and repair. It could be anything from the brake pads to your vehicle’s alignment, so don’t put off service — it could save you in even more repair costs later down the road.
Be Smart. Be Vigilant. Be Safe.
As your local Toyota dealership, you can trust Toyota of Dothan to have the expertise to accurately and efficiently complete service for your car, truck, SUV or hybrid. And now that you know a little more about disc brakes, how they work and what to watch out for, does your vehicle need a multipoint inspection? We can take care of that. Let’s get your vehicle scheduled today!
If you think it’s time to get your brakes checked, schedule a service appointment and bring your vehicle to Toyota of Dothan at 2285 Ross Clark Circle, Dothan, AL 36301. Have any questions? Give us a call or contact us online. We look forward to serving the automotive repair needs of our customers from Ozark and Enterprise.