5 Things To Know About Car Brakes | Toyota Service in Salem, OR

Things to Know About Vehicle Brakes - Toyota Service Information To Know in Salem, OR

May 9, 2019

No matter how sophisticated safety features may get, your Toyota still needs a set of brakes in good condition in order to keep you and your family safe. As such, it's a good idea to know something about your car's brakes. Even if you don't plan on working on your brakes yourself, knowing about them can help you make the right decisions for your safety. Here are five things we think you should know about the brakes in your Toyota.

A close-up view of a car with the wheel removed to show the disc brake rotor & caliper

5. Choose OEM Toyota Brake Parts

Whether you're replacing brake parts yourself or bringing your Toyota to a mechanic, it's important to choose OEM Toyota brake replacement parts. While there are some aftermarket brake parts that might live up to the standards set by Toyota, there are many others that don't. It makes sense to trust your safety to parts that are guaranteed to be high in quality, rather than taking a risk with a less expensive aftermarket part.

4. It's Important To Change Brake Pads Regularly

As time goes on, the brake pads in your Toyota will begin to wear down. Having them replaced regularly is a great way to save money in the long run while staying safe. If the brake pads wear out completely, other components of the braking system can suffer expensive damage. Usually, a worn brake pad will emit a squealing noise thanks to the brake pad wear indicator. However, since this noise functions as a last warning, it's a good idea to get the brake pads changed before you hear the telltale squeal.

3. Brake Fluid Changes Are Important

The brake fluid in your Toyota is a crucial part of the braking system. When the recommended change intervals come up, it's vital that you get the brake fluid replaced. In addition, it can be wise to keep an eye on the fluid to make sure it's in good condition. Make sure to change brake fluid that looks dark or dirty.

A technician bleeding the brakes in a vehicle.

2. Trust Toyota-Authorized Service

It makes sense to only trust your safety to the best--and that's what you'll get with genuine Toyota service. The technicians at an authorized service center have been factory trained and certified, and they work on Toyota vehicles day in and day out. In addition to their expertise, you can trust that they'll use only genuine Toyota OEM and factory-approved parts.

1. Get Regular Brake Inspections

It's better to catch a problem early. Usually, this means that the repairs will cost less, and you'll have a lower chance of being put in danger. For this reason, it's important that you have the brakes in your Toyota inspected regularly. The technicians at an authorized service center will make sure that everything is working as it should--and, if something's wrong, they'll make sure you know the best way to go about fixing it.