How to Tell If You Need New Brakes

Brake lifespan can vary depending on your specific vehicle, driving habits, and road conditions, ranging from 25,000 to 60,000 miles with some even lasting up to 80,000 miles. That is why it’s essential to consult your owner’s manual and take your vehicle into a service center near Lincolnton for regularly scheduled maintenance.

However, you can also pay attention to signs your car is giving you when driving near Gastonia and Charlotte that it’s time for new brakes—check out our guide below, and contact the Toyota of Gastonia service department if you have any questions!

SCHEDULE BRAKE REPAIR

Hear an Unusual Sound

Normally when braking, you don’t hear any sounds. Although, if there is an issue with your brakes, you may hear an abnormal noise when pushing down on the brake pedal. This is a sign you most likely are due for new brakes.

• Grating Noises: If you hear squealing, squeaking, scraping, or even buzzing while you’re driving, your brake pads may be worn down. Most brake pads today are designed specifically to make this awful noise when they are dangerously worn down to indicate to drivers that new ones are needed as soon as possible.
• Clicking Noises: If you hear clicking when the brake pedal is pressed or released, this may mean that the components designed to hold the brake pads in place—known as the brake calipers— are loose and require replacement or repair.

Vibration in the Brake Pedal

Also when braking, you usually enjoy smooth slowing and stopping. If the brake pedal shakes when you press down, these are not good vibrations.

When a brake pad wears down, the binding resin heats and spreads across the rotor. If the brakes overheat and it spreads unevenly, this is called “glazing,” which causes the vibration and requires service soon.

Reduced Braking Performance

It may not be as obvious as a loud sound or vibration, but another warning sign your brakes might be ready for a change are when you start experiencing slower braking time.

If you notice it starts taking longer and longer to come to a stop when braking, this is called “brake fade.” This is the most obvious indication that your brakes are starting to wear down.

Your Car Veers to One Side

If you press the brakes and your vehicle starts to pull to one side, this is usually an indication that your brake pads are wearing out unevenly. This uneven wearing might be the cause of a stuck brake caliper. This issue will need to be addressed at a service center in order to avoid undue stress on your steering system.

Schedule Brake Service at Our Dealership

If any of these warning signs appear while you are driving near Gastonia, Charlotte, and Lincolnton, schedule to have your brakes serviced at Toyota of Gastonia. Our trained technicians will be able to do a complete inspection of your brakes.

If any parts need to be replaced, they will exchange them with quality components that are built to last. With their help, your brakes will be back to performing at their best!