The more you drive your vehicle, the more you understand its nuances, like how smooth the ride is, how it sounds, how it feels and so on. Part of knowing your vehicle includes the way it feels when you brake, how far you must push on the brake pedal, how long it takes to stop, how the brake pedal feels when you apply a little pressure vs. a lot of pressure. You get used to it so that you know when something feels off. From time to time you need to replace your brake pads, just like you may need to have work done on your rotors or fluid levels checked. At Bell Road Toyota, we offer several kinds of brake services to keep you driving safely on the road.

• Brake inspection: Our technicians will perform an inspection to identify brake problems before they become a greater issue.
• Pad replacement: When you use your brakes, they eventually begin to wear out and need replacement.
• Rotor service: In disc brake systems, the pads grip the rotors to slow down when you depress your brake pedal. This is how you slow down and stop, and eventually the surface of the rotors also shows signs of wear from the intense friction. When this happens, your rotor surface may need to be smoothed out, or even replaced from time to time.
• Shoe replacement: Like pad replacement in disc brakes, the shoes apply pressure to a drum in the drum brake systems and they need to be replaced from time to time.
• Drum service: Like rotor service only with drums not rotors.
• Brake fluid service: Fluid replacement and exchange and brake fluid leak repairs.
• Anti-lock brake system (ABS) service: Checking this system for problems from ABS sensors to addressing computer module issues.
• Brake repairs: Repairing damaged parts in the system from power brake booster to parking brake assembly.

There are certain things you can see hear and feel that may identify a brake issue like:

• Dashboard lights and warnings
• Fluid leaks
• Changes in brake responses
• Noises (squealing, squeaking, grinding, rattling)
• Shaking or other vibrations that start occurring when you apply brakes
• Soft and spongy brakes
• Hard and stiff brakes
• Engine misfires or stalling -power brake booster
• Your vehicle pulls to one side when braking

If you feel like there’s something off in your brake system, trust your gut. While your brakes will continue to function, they may not work as well as normal. If you suspect you have brake problems, don’t wait, your safety is important.

Contact us at Bell Road Toyota and set up an appointment with our Service Center, or schedule your brake service online, but don’t let your safety or the safety of others on the road be compromised. Get your brakes checked out today.

Most vehicles on the road today use a disc brake system, but some use drum brake systems. In the case of a disc brake system, when you press on the brake pedal, fluid fills the brake lines and hoses, then a piston in the brake caliper clamps down on the rotor. The piston is affixed to the wheel knuckle, which is attached to an inboard and outboard brake. This squeezing movement causes your wheels to slow and eventually stops your vehicle. If your pads are worn down too much, your stopping ability may be impaired.

If you notice any of the following signs, you may need brake services. If you are driving and you hear grinding, squealing or squeaking when you apply the brakes you may need pads and possibly new rotors. Other signs include:

• Extended stopping distances
• Grooves in the rotor surfaces
• Pulsations in the pedal when you apply your brakes
• The vehicle pulls to one side when you brake

It takes a while for pads to wear down. They can last between 20,000 and 40,000 miles depending on the make and model of your vehicle, the quality of the parts, your environment, your driving habits and other factors. It is best to consult your owner’s manual for manufacturer recommendations on the frequency for brake pad services. A good way to tell if you need brake pads is by the amount of material that is left on the pads. Most pads begin with between 8/32” and 12/32” of material, but when the thickness drops below 3/32”, it is a good idea to have your brake pads replaced.

Brake pads are one of the most important components of your brake system. They also wear out first because of the constant use. If you live near Glendale, Gilbert, or Peoria, you can bring your vehicle into Bell Road Toyota for professional brake pad service to ensure that your brake pads are still effective.

There are three main types of brake pads that are commonly used on vehicles. All have a solid backing plate, in which friction material is bonded. The types of friction materials dictate noise levels, damage to rotors, and longevity.

• Organic or non-metallic: These pads are made with a blend of synthetic materials, like aramid, cellulose, and sintered glass, with other compounds in varying degrees. The material is softer, so they are quieter and easier on rotors, though they have a relatively short lifespan.
• Semi-metallic: These pads are made up of a combination of metals like copper, iron, and steel mixed with non-metallic compounds like graphite and fillers. They last longer, but are noisy, and hard on the rotors.
• Ceramic: This type of pad combines elements like porcelain and clay with copper fibers for quieter stopping, resistance to rotor wear, and extended longevity.

If you need new brake pads, contact us at Bell Road Toyota to set up an appointment with our Service Center, or schedule brake pad service online.