Car brakes: care and maintenance

Driving is all about stop and go, especially if you live in Orlando and you drive on I-4. Using your car brakes is one of the most important aspects of driving and without them you’d be in serious trouble. Keeping them maintained so you can stop on time and quickly is crucial to a safe driving experience whenever you get behind the wheel. Toyota of Orlando has a comprehensive guide straight from our expert service technicians to keep your car brakes in good shape and to know when it’s time to get them serviced.

Hit the brakes and start with the basics

Like any part of your Orlando Toyota, brakes have several parts to make them function properly and while we won’t go too in depth, it helps to know the major parts and how they work. Car brakes typically consist of these parts:

Brake discs/rotors.

This larger part of your car brakes is responsible for coming into contact with the brake pads to slow your vehicle down. When you press on your brake pedal the pads make contact with the rotor, create friction, and slow down your Orlando Toyota vehicle.

Brake pads.

Brake pads are the piece that comes into contact with the rotor to slow your vehicle down. They’re set into holdings called calipers that hold them on either side of the rotor. This part of your brakes is replaced most often and there are several types, depending on your desired brake life and sound.

Calipers.

Calipers hold the brake pads in place and wrap around the rotor to connect with your Orlando Toyota car brake line.

Tell-tale signs that it’s time for car break maintenance

Car brakes are fairly straight-forward, but that doesn’t mean they should be ignored as an essential part of your Orlando Toyota vehicle. Problems and issues can always happen and here’s what you should look for when inspecting your car brakes:

• Listening to the sounds your brakes make while you drive your Orlando Toyota is a good place to start. If you hear squealing, squeaking, or any sound that’s not normal when you hit the brakes, it’s probably time for maintenance.
• Checking the brake pad thickness can also tell you if your car brakes need maintenance. Luckily, you don’t have to take the wheels off of your Orlando Toyota to check this. Look between the spokes of your wheel and find the caliper. The pads are attached to it and hug the rotor. If they look like they’re less than a ¼ inch thick, then it’s time to get some new pads.
• While looking at your brake pads, it’s best to also check the rotor. As the pads wear down, so does the rotor. The rotor can also become rusty and might need resurfacing to perform correctly.
• Shuddering or wheel tugging can also indicate a possible car brake issue. However, this could be a suspension issue as well and should be checked by an auto service expert.
  

Toyota of Orlando has all your brake needs

Is your vehicle not stopping on time or making squealing sounds when you apply the brakes? Toyota of Orlando is here to service your brakes and get you back on the road quickly. Our expert service specialists are here to help and answer any questions you have! Give us a call at (407) 298 – 0001 to schedule an appointment or visit us at 3575 Vineland Road. We’re open seven days a week for your convenience.