No matter how often you drive your car, you will need to replace brake fluids or change brake pads eventually. Although Toyotas are more low maintenance than many other vehicles, you will still need to schedule brake service at your local Toyota dealer as recommended by your owner’s manual.
In general, Toyota encourages drivers to schedule service for brakes every 5,000 to 7,000 miles, which can be as often as every four to six months. The frequency of your brake repair will depend on your driving habits. However, even if you are an infrequent driver, brake fluid can become corrupt when it’s unused, so you will still need to schedule routine service at least twice a year.
How Long Do Brake Pads Last?
The brake pads on your Toyota will usually last for 20,000 to 60,000 miles. This means that replacing brake pads will typically happen only once every two years. The reason you may need to service your brakes more frequently than your brake pads need to be replaced is that routine service will inspect the pads, fluids, and rotators of your brakes to ensure everything is in good condition.
How Long Does Brake Fluid Last?
The brake fluid in your vehicle usually lasts for about two years or 20,000 miles, whichever comes first. People who drive their car very frequently will need to have the brake fluid changed more often. It’s best to schedule service at your local dealership since the dealer will have the correct fluid for your car model, which will enhance the performance of your vehicle.
What Are Signs You Need Brake Repair at a Toyota Dealer?
Aside from the recommended service schedule for your brakes, you must also know other signs to schedule brake repair. Some of the warning signs that your brakes may be in poor condition include:
Brake Warning Light
When the brake warning light on your dashboard turns on, it means the sensors in your vehicle have detected problems with your brakes. It’s best to schedule service as soon as possible when this warning light goes on so that you can ensure you’re safe on the road.
Squealing Brakes
Squealing or squeaking brakes are another common sign that something is amiss. Squealing, screeching, or other metallic sounds happen when your brake pads are wearing out. It’s more cost-effective to replace brake pads as soon as you hear these noises, rather than replacing a damaged braking system.
Burning Brakes
Finally, if you smell a burning odor when you engage your brakes, this can be a sign that your braking system is overheating. When this happens, you should allow your car to cool down, discontinue driving your vehicle, and schedule service as soon as you can.
Your Toyota owner’s manual will outline the recommended frequency for servicing your brakes. In general, you should have your brakes inspected at least twice a year. Get in touch with Priority Toyota of Chesapeake to schedule brake repair today.
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