We all know how important brakes are for the safe running of our Toyota. It’s important to pay close attention to how your brakes feel, sound and smell - and to take action at the first sign of a problem. Waiting it out will only cause the condition to worsen and could lead to a need for costly repairs and replacements, or even a mishap on the road.
Your brake’s performance affects how your car handles the road, and your brake pads are at the core of your vehicle’s stopping power. You can buy Toyota brake parts online, and make sure you understand those all-important symptoms of bad brakes.
The brake pedal is soft
If your brake pedal feels soft or spongy when compressed, this is a sure-fire sign that they need immediate attention from a qualified mechanic. A brake pedal that is slow to respond could signify an issue with the system’s pressure, and you may simply need new brake fluid or a brake bleed. Either way, get them checked out straight away.
The braking doesn’t feel smooth
Pay attention to how your brake feels when you press it down to the floor. Is it smooth? If you’re noticing a vibrating sensation, there could be an issue with your wheel alignment, or your car could be suffering from a warped rotor, which is often caused by a lot of severe braking. This creates an uneven surface which makes it difficult for the brake pads to grab the surface evenly.
You can hear metallic squealing, squeaking or grinding noises when braking
Strange or loud noises are one of the most obvious signs that you need to have your brakes inspected. Your Toyota shouldn’t make any sound when you press the brake pedal, so address this straight away. It could be a sign of worn pads that can cause knock-on damage to other parts of your vehicle.
The car pulls to one side while braking
If the car veers to one side when you brake, this could signify a lack of lubrication in the caliper (often caused by debris getting inside and damaging the bore). If this happens, you may need to grease the caliper pistons, replace the pistons or replace the caliper.
There’s a brake fluid leak
You’ll know if you have a brake fluid leak, if there’s a trail coming from your vehicle that looks a little like motor oil. Check the reservoir to make sure you have adequate fluid and call a professional if necessary.
You can smell burning while driving
A burning smell is a tell-tale sign that your Toyota is overheating. Ignoring strange odours could lead to dangerous consequences, so be sure to have your brakes inspected straight away. You may just need a brake pad and caliper adjustment, which can be carried out quickly and easily - so don’t put off an inspection.
Visit us for a Toyota service in Sydney
Neglecting the maintenance of your brakes could be both dangerous and expensive. Visit our Toyota service centre regularly and be sure to make an appointment if you notice anything unusual with your vehicle.
Give our technicians a call on (02) 9735 8400 to discuss any issues you’re experiencing, and we can talk you through the next steps.
