How Often Should My Brakes Be Checked? | Albertville AL | Near Boaz, Guntersville, Scottsboro, Rainbow City & Gadsden


Is It Time to Check Your Brakes?

As one of the most important components of your vehicle, brakes need to be in good shape in order to keep you — and others — safe on the road. And at Sand Mountain Toyota, we're here to help keep your Toyota in the best condition possible. So, how do you know when it's time for new brakes and how often you should have them checked? Keep reading to learn the answers!

A Primer on Brakes.

First, a little background. It's likely that your vehicle has what is called disc brakes, the most common type of brakes. When you press your foot against the brake pedal, this action causes a set of calipers with pads to squeeze the rotor. The pads create friction with the rotor, causing your vehicle to slow down. This hydraulic system is dependent on a consistent flow of brake fluid, and the entire system can fail if one of the parts malfunctions. 

However, there's a good chance that a brake issue is being caused by worn out brake pads. Brake pads should be a least a quarter of an inch thick, but over time they will wear down, so you'll want to stay informed about their condition. If brake pads go too long without being changed, the rotor can become damaged. 

Location Matters.

Where do you do the most of your driving? If you're often stuck in heavy traffic, this can impact your brakes more severely than light traffic. Busy areas require excessive stopping, starting, slowing and veering, so your brakes have to work harder than normal to keep up. Unfortunately, this means that they'll wear down more quickly than if you did the majority of your driving in less congested areas. As a result, they'll likely need servicing more often. 

In general, it's a good idea to have you brakes checked when your tires are rotated, usually every six months. If you're an aggressive driver, you may need to have them checked more often, perhaps with every oil change. In the meantime, pay attention to how your brakes are performing between regular service intervals. 

Watch for Warning Signs.

If you see the brake light pop up on your dashboard, you should bring your vehicle to our service center so we can examine the brakes. Is your vehicle taking longer to come to a complete stop? You'll want us to check them as soon as possible. If you notice a vibrating sensation when pressing the brake pedal, this is likely a brake pad problem, although it might be an alignment issue instead. Either way, we'll check it out!

Hearing a squealing or screeching sound? That's your brakes' warning that the pads are wearing thin. This metal-on-metal sound means that your pads have worn down so much that your calipers are now grinding against your rotors whenever you press the brake pedal. It's not a pleasant sound, but hearing this warning can save a significant amount of money down the road since you'll know that you need to get your brakes fixed as soon as possible — before more damage is caused. 

Be Smart. Be Vigilant. Be Safe.

Sand Mountain Toyota doesn't just provide quality vehicles to our customers — we also offer quality automotive service to keep you Toyota in the best shape possible, and that includes taking care of your brakes. We want you and your loved ones to stay safe on the road, so let us know how we can serve you today. No matter what your vehicle needs, we're happy to take care of it for you!

If you think it’s time to get your brakes checked, schedule a service appointment today and bring your vehicle to Sand Mountain Toyota at 9167 US Highway 431, Albertville, AL 35950. We look forward to serving our customers from Boaz, Guntersville, Scottsboro, Rainbow City and Gadsden.