Toyota of Clermont’s guide on car brakes


The stop and go motion of driving can get repetitive, especially driving near Orlando. Your car brakes are responsible for keeping your drive safe by stopping you and preventing collisions. Having a reactive and responsive set of brakes on your Clermont Toyota car can keep you safe whenever you get behind the wheel. To make sure you can come to a complete stop, Toyota of Clermont is here with a guide on car brakes!

The basics on brakes

While the car brakes on your Clermont Toyota car perform a simple function, they consist of several parts that allow them to perform their proper functions. Here are the major parts that make up your brake system:
  • Brake discs/rotors: The rotor/disc of your car brakes are the largest part of the brake system and they’re responsible for slowing your vehicle. Essentially, when you press down on your brake pedal the pads make contact with the rotor and this slows your Clermont Toyota vehicle down.
  • Brake pads: This is the piece of your brakes that make contact with the brake discs to slow your car down. Typically, your vehicle’s brake pads are replaced most often.
  • Calipers: Calipers are used, mainly, to hold the brake pads in place. They wrap around the rotor and connect to the car brake line.

Signs your car brakes are due for maintenance

While your Clermont Toyota car’s brake system seems simple enough, they require a pair of practiced hands and a good eye to make sure they’re well maintained. Apart from routine auto maintenance, your brakes can run into issues throughout their lifetime and here’s what you should look for when checking out this important auto part:

  • As your brakes age and wear down, your Orlando Toyota car brakes will make squeaks and squealing noises when you hit the brake pedal. This is normal and happens over time, but that means it’s probably time to bring your car in for some maintenance.
  • If your wheel and shudders or tugs when you apply the brakes, this could indicate brake issues or possibly a suspension issue. This is something that’s best reserved for a Toyota of Orlando auto service expert.
  • Your brake pad thickness could also lead to a less responsive braking experience. Checking the brake pad thickness is actually easy and doesn’t require you to take the wheel off to do it. To check the brake pad, look between the spokes of the wheel and find the caliper. The pads sit inside the caliper and hug the large disk object (the rotor). If the pads look like they’re less than a ¼ inch thick then it’s probably time to replace your pads.
  • While checking the brake pads, make sure to pay attention to the rotor as well. The rotors could build up an excess of brake dust and wear down over time and cause a lack of performance.

Hit the brakes at Toyota of Clermont


If you’re hearing a lot of squealing or squeaking when you use your car brakes, then it’s probably time for some auto maintenance. Give Toyota of Clermont a call at (352) 404 – 7000 for more details! 

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