Brake failure accounts for five percent of car crashes in the US every year. The most important piece of your braking mechanism to keep an eye on is the brake pads, which wear down a little each time you touch the pedal. So let’s look at how often you should head to your local Lexus dealer for pad replacements.
Follow Your Lexus Manual and Warranty
First and foremost, it’s best to follow the guidelines for pad-replacement intervals specified in your car manual, as each Lexus model differs. Also, on rare occasions, braking pads are covered by the car’s warranty. If you should be so fortunate, follow the warranty’s stipulations for having pads replaced.
Every 30,000 to 70,000 Miles
In general, Lexus pads last for 30,000 to 70,000 miles. This primarily depends on your daily driving conditions. Regular stop-and-go traffic requires an excessive amount of braking, for example, as does driving on mountainous terrain with many steep downhill segments of road.
Ask Your Local Lexus Dealership for Advice
It can be difficult to judge the kind of conditions you regularly find yourself driving under. It’s a good idea to ask at your local dealership. The technicians there should know the local conditions well.
They’ll also be inspecting your brakes each time you go in for servicing. After a few visits, they’ll be able to give you an accurate estimation of how often you’ll need new pads.
Pay Heed to Signs of Worn Out Pads
No matter how recently you’ve replaced your pads, it’s crucial to respond promptly to any sign that your pads have worn too thin. Here are the most common indicators of braking pad trouble:
Squeaking Sounds Whenever You Brake
Modern pads are cleverly designed to emit a high-pitched squeaking or squealing sound when the upper friction layer has worn down too thin. Any such sound is a surefire signal that it’s time for new pads.
Vibrating Pedal or Steering Wheel
The most common cause of damage to braking mechanisms is overheating from too much continual use. The resin in pads can sometimes begin to melt when overheated. This melted resin dries on the rotor and creates odd vibrations that can be felt through the steering wheel or brake pedal. Any such vibrations shouldn’t be ignored.
Sluggish Braking
The clearest and scariest sign of brake trouble is sluggish braking. Needless to say, this is very dangerous. Your brakes will need to be examined and your pads will most likely need to be replaced right away.
Have experienced technicians inspect or replace your pads today at DARCARS Lexus of Greenwich. We’re committed to providing a customer experience as luxurious as our vehicles, whatever your needs may be.
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