Brake Maintenance for Ensuring Safety in Your Lexus

Your brakes are the most critical safety feature of your Lexus. Without sufficient stopping power, it can be difficult to avoid or prevent accidents, even with advanced driver assistance software as a helper. Fortunately, brake service at your local Lexus dealer is a routine maintenance appointment that only takes an hour or so.

Typically, your brake pads and rotors will last for about 25,000 to 50,000 miles. Your specific driving style, such as how hard you ride the brakes, and your most common driving environment, such as city traffic, can wear down your brakes more quickly. Commuters and people who do not drive their vehicles daily may experience a longer brake lifespan than people who run suburban errands daily. 

Typically, brake service will involve a thorough inspection to assess the condition of your brake pads and the surface of the rotors. If brake pads are worn thin, new ones will be installed. Your Lexus mechanic may flush out old brake fluid, replace brake fluid, and lubricate other parts of the brake system. 

Signs You Need Service at Your Lexus Dealer

You might not notice any performance changes with your vehicle, but your vehicle’s onboard sensors may detect an issue that prompts the brake light to turn on. Always schedule service as soon as the brake light turns on since this means your brake system needs an immediate inspection. As for performance issues, the most common signs you need to service your brakes include:

Soft Brake Pedal

If your brake pedal feels soft or spongy, or you have to press your brake pedal almost to the floor to engage your brakes, it’s time for service. Your brake pedal should always offer some resistance. However, your brake pedal shouldn’t be hard to press down, as this can indicate other issues. 

Loud Brakes

When your brakes squeal, whine, or grind, this typically means that your brake pads are thinning or that there is an issue with your brake rotors. Brakes that whine occasionally are an early sign of worn-out brakes. 

Slow Stop

Ideally, your vehicle should come to a complete stop quickly once you apply the brakes. If you need more time to bring your vehicle to a complete stop, then it’s likely your brakes are wearing down.

To stay safe on the road, you should pay attention to the condition and performance of your brakes. When you need service, book an appointment at Lexus of Kingsport in Kingsport, TN. 

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