It’s best to request a brake inspection when you bring your Corolla in for an oil change. We recommend this service at six-month or 5,000-mile intervals. You can prevent brake problems with this inexpensive procedure.
Brakes function by pressing pads, flat parts contained in a non-wearing part called a caliper, against a rotor, a disk-shaped steel part that rotates at the speed of your wheels. The friction generated by this action converts the energy of motion to heat energy. Brake part wear is expected in this process.
Some patrons ask us to replace only the worn pads. This is a false economy. Worn rotors may cause increased wear on the new pads. The Toyota factory specifies a wear limit; both should be changed when pads or rotors reach this limit. All pads and rotors on an axle should be changed. Because of these individual differences, everyone’s brakes wear at different rates. Because of this, frequent inspections should be important to you.
Developing brake problems can often go along with the following symptoms:
- Brake warning lights that will turn on to notify you of a possible issue
- Pulsation or vibrating in the steering wheel or brake pedal
- Squealing or screeching when braking
- Pulling to one side while braking
- Burning odor
- Grinding noise when the brakes are applied
- Should you encounter these, bring your Corolla in for service immediately.
