Brake pads perform a vital function in your car. They’re responsible for generating the friction that slows and stops your car. These pads slowly wear out and will eventually need replacement. As your Toyota dealer, we can fit new ones for you, and these are some signs that your pads need to be changed.
Screeching Noises
Loud screeching noises from your brakes are a clear indication that your pads are worn. A pad is 1/2″ thick when it’s new, but each time you use your brakes, some of the material wears off. The wear is caused by the friction a pad generates against its wheel rotor. When a pad has worn down to 1/4″ thick, it’s time for a change.
As a warning, the manufacturers build a pad wear indicator into each pad. This indicator is a small spike, which becomes visible in the pad when it needs to be changed. The spike will scratch against the rotor surface, giving an audible reminder that the pad is wearing out. If only one pad makes a noise, we still advise replacing all the pads, as they are installed in sets of four.
Vibrating Pedal
Vibrations, when you apply the brakes, are usually another sign that your pads are worn. When you hit the brakes, brake fluid forces the brake calipers against the wheel rotors. The material covering the pads generates friction against the smooth rotor surfaces to bring your car to a halt. The friction will make the pads hotter.
As a pad gets older, the heat generated by braking can liquidize some of the adhesives that attach the material covering to the pad. The liquid adhesive will spread unevenly across the rotor surface and dry in minutes. Once the adhesive hardens, it provides an irregular section on the rotor surface. When the calipers grab this surface, you’ll feel vibrations through your brake pedal.
Brake Warning Light
Your Toyota has numerous lights that warn you something is wrong. The brake warning can signal the handbrake is still engaged, the brake fluid is low, or the pads are worn. This light is connected, via your Toyota’s computer, to sensors in the braking system. These sensors can detect even minute issues and give you enough time to have the problem checked.
If this warning light illuminates, call our service department, and our technicians will investigate the problem. Worn pads can lead to other braking system issues, and prompt replacement can prevent these problems.
Worn pads increase your braking distance, and they also slow braking response. For your safety, they should be replaced right away. Our service center at DARCARS Toyota of Frederick can help. Schedule a repair with us online now! We can also help you learn more ways to maintain your Toyota, just click here to discover similar blogs like this one!
Connect with us
