3 Quick Ways to Tell When You Need New Brakes
Knowing the right time to change your brakes can be a daunting task, particularly since brakes are not as visible and easily accessible as other auto parts that can be checked and changed quickly. With that in mind, it can be difficult to know when to change the brakes on your car. Brakes play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and secure ride, so determining how often to change them and why is vital information a driver needs to know.
3 quick ways to determine when you need new brakes.
1. Squealing, Squeaking or Grinding Sound
No one wants to hear your car screeching and squealing and if your brake pads health is beginning to decline, the first sign is a screeching sound when attempting to brake. According to First One, the screeching sound is often caused by brake pads that are extremely worn down when the metal wear indicator is scraping against the rotor due to the pad material running low.
2. Vibration When Braking
If you feel your car shaking when you press the brake pedal, something could be wrong with your brakes. Rotors get pressed by the brake pad to slow down your vehicle, if the rotor is out of balance this could cause the vibrating that the driver feels in the pedal and steering wheel.
3. Brake Lag
According to Car Parts, brake lag refers to the time it takes for the brakes to engage after stepping on the brake pedal, increasing one’s stopping distance.
When stopping your car, the brake pads press against brake rotors and creates friction that slows the wheel down until it stops. When brake rotors are worn down, the contact with the brake pads becomes uneven creating a lag when braking.
If your vehicle has reached its braking point, our Toyota-trained technicians will help you determine if you need new brakes. Schedule an appointment or visit your local Toyota Service center today to find out if it’s time to replace your brakes.
