Considering your brakes are one of your vehicle’s last lines of defense, you don’t want to leave them neglected. The last thing you want is to hit your brakes, and find they aren’t working! That means you need to get them regularly serviced to ensure they’re in proper working condition, and there are no outstanding issues which need to be investigated. Read on with the team here at Downtown Toyota, as we walk you through why you should regularly have your brakes maintained.
How Can I Tell If I Have A Brake Issue?
There are a few early signs to watch out for which could indicate a brake issue. Obviously, your brake light appearing on your dashboard is a sign you need to get your vehicle in for service just as soon as possible. However, here’s a few other signs it might be time to have the brakes checked:
- Loud metallic squealing or squeaking when you apply the brakes.
- Grinding noises when you apply the brakes.
- Wobbling or pulsing brakes.
- Leaking brake fluid.
- Spongy or soft brake pedals.
- Pulling to one side when braking.
- A burning or chemical smell.
How Do I Take Better Care Of My Brakes?
The main way to prolong the lifespan of your brakes is to go easy on them. This means practicing a more cautious driving style so you avoid sudden, hard braking just as much as possibly can. Another good suggestion is to stay in a low gear while driving on hilly or winding roads, to help prevent wear on your brakes.
When Should I Get My Brakes Checked?
The more you drive, the more often you need to get your vehicle serviced. This is true for every component of your vehicle, but your brakes most of all! For the average driver, it’s a good idea to get them looked at by a technician every six months, and you’ll be looking at a brake pad replacement roughly every four years.
Schedule Your Brake Service with Downtown Toyota
Whether it’s been a long time since your last brake service, or you’ve noticed something not working quite right when you go to slow down, you should get your vehicle inspected soon. When it comes to your brakes, don’t wait! Book a service appointment with Downtown Toyota in Toronto, ON today, and our team will get your vehicle back on the road as soon as they can.