How to Check Brake Pads

Your car brakes are a very important part of your vehicle that tends to get overlooked. Routinely checking on your brake pads is a sure-fire way to extend the longevity of your car’s life. Toyota of Clermont is here to expand your car maintenance knowledge by explaining when and how to check brake pads without removing the wheel to replace them. Do you and your car a favor and keep on reading!

Do you know how to check your Toyota brake pads? 

There’s no set timeline for when you need to replace your Toyota brake pads, it all depends on where you drive and your driving style. If you’re more of a city dweller, you’ll probably have to change your pads sooner than someone who is a backroads driver. This is due to the start and stop nature of city traffic. A good rule of thumb is to check your brake pads every time you come in for a tire rotation, about every 6 months. Be sure to check your owner’s manual as well to see if there are any specifications for your car brakes.

Signs you need to check your brake pads 

Your Clermont Toyota’s brakes are designed to give signals to let you know when they need car maintenance. Here are the most common ones to look out for:

• Squeaking or whining when you brake
• Delayed stops
• More pedal movement than normal when brakes are applied
• Pulsing or vibrating in the brake pedal

How to check your brake pads without removing the wheel

If you notice any of these symptoms, take a minute and check your car brakes. Learn how to check brake pads without removing your wheel with our experts’ tips. Our Clermont service techs recommend bringing your car to a professional, but you can do a quick inspection yourself by following these steps:

• Listen to your brakes. As mentioned above, your Toyota brake pads will make noise if they need to be replaced. Roll down your windows and test out your brakes to see if you hear any whining, squeaking, or metal scraping.
• Inspect the brake pad. Brake pads are visible on most vehicles. You can observe them by looking through your wheels. When looking at the pads, take note of the thickness. Your Toyota brake pads should never be less than about a quarter inch thick. Some vehicles come with a wear indicator. Typically, the indicator will appear as a slot in the center of the pad. If the slot is almost gone you’re in need of a replacement.
• Observe your wheels. A normal set of wheels should accumulate a good amount of brake dust. However, if your brake pads are worn there will be significantly less dust. Too clean of wheels with no brake dust usually points to worn pads.
• Feel the steering wheel and brake pedal. If your Toyota brake pads are worn, your pedal and steering wheel will shake when you brake.

Trust Toyota of Clermont with your car brake care needs

If you notice any of these symptoms or your Toyota brake pads are due for a checkup, stop by our Clermont Toyota service center. We are open seven days a week and are located at 16851 State Road 50, just off the Florida Turnpike. Call (352) 404-7001 and schedule your appointment today!

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