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Good brakes will help you to drive safely through even the worst conditions, while bad brakes can lead to an accident. The braking system is a mechanical one, and parts can wear out or fail over time. As your Toyota dealer, we'd like you to know some warning signs you need to visit us for a brake repair. Burning Chemical Smell Your braking system depends on brake fluid to provide the hydraulic power that allows the brakes to work. When you hit the brake pedal, pressurized brake fluid is forced into the brake lines and hoses. The fluid forces the pins out of the calipers positioned above the wheel rotors. When the pins are removed, the calipers grab both sides of each rotor, which forces your wheels to stop. If you're riding your brakes, for example, when you're driving down a long winding road, the brake fluid remains in the brake hoses. The pressurized fluid can heat up, and if it overheats, you'll smell a sharp chemical smell. If your brakes are overheating, It's important to pull over ASAP. Overheating brake fluid won't generate hydraulic power, and your brakes won't work. We'll examine your braking system and replace the fluid if necessary. Vibrating Brake Pedal If you feel vibrations when you hit the brakes, this is a sign of a damaged rotor. Rotors heat up as you drive and rapidly cool when your car is stationary. This heating and cooling cycle can lead to the rotor warping slightly. A warped rotor creates a problem when you brake, as the calipers need a smooth surface to grip. When calipers grab an uneven rotor surface, this action generates the vibrations you'll feel through the pedal. if a warped rotor isn't repaired, the vibrations will become more frequent. We'll examine your rotors and either resurface them or fit replacements if they're too damaged to repair. Brake Light Illuminates You have two brake lights. One light is connected to the ABS, and the other connects to the handbrake and the braking system. If the ABS light illuminates, this means that the ABS is malfunctioning and needs to be examined. The ABS prevents your wheels from locking if you enter a skid. You can drive if the ABS light is showing, but it should be repaired ASAP. The brake light can light up in response to a failure in the handbrake or any other fault detected by sensors connected to the braking system. Our technicians will examine the braking system and repair the problem once we've identified its cause. Driving with worn or damaged brakes is dangerous and can result in an accident. Call us today at Lake Toyota.

There is only one way to keep your Toyota reliable, fuel-efficient, and safe: regular car maintenance at the recommended Toyota intervals. The qualified technicians at your Toyota dealer will ensure that your Camry, RAV4, or Tacoma will always get you where you need to go. The Toyota Service Schedule Your Toyota has a service schedule to help you keep your car in top shape. The service schedule is divided into mileage intervals with prescribed tasks that must be performed at each interval. Following the service schedule and factory-recommended maintenance intervals is crucial to ensure your Toyota stays reliable, fuel-efficient, safe, and on the road longer. When your car's service record is up to date, it will also increase your vehicle's resale value. The Maintenance Intervals There are prescribed maintenance tasks, including inspections, corrections, adjustments, and replacements, that must be performed at the Toyota recommended intervals to keep your vehicle performing at its best. Generally, Toyota recommends a maintenance service every 5,000 miles or six months, whichever comes first. Check your Toyota owner's manual for the service schedule and factory-recommended maintenance intervals for your specific model, or speak to your Toyota technician for assistance. Maintenance Tasks Each maintenance interval has specific factory-recommended tasks that must be performed. Your Toyota technician will perform an oil and filter replacement, check all the fluids, top them off if necessary, and perform a brake system inspection and a tire rotation at each recommended maintenance service. The maintenance intervals that follow the 5,000-mile or six-month intervals will include additional maintenance checks and tasks to ensure every system and component is properly functioning. Oil and Filter Replacements Routine oil and filter replacements are one of the most critical maintenance tasks. The oil keeps the moving parts lubricated, reduces friction that causes wear, and keeps your engine clean and protected. When the oil and filter are changed at the recommended intervals, every 5,000 miles or six months, your engine will run smoothly, and your car will last longer. Best of all, you will save money on gas and repairs. Driving Conditions If you drive under severe conditions, your Toyota will require more frequent oil changes. These conditions include repeated short trips, extended periods of idling, extensive brake use, rough, muddy, dusty, mountainous roads, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. The recommended oil and filter replacements for vehicles operating under severe driving conditions are every 3,000 miles or six months, or ask your Toyota technician for assistance. Stick to the Toyota recommended service schedule and maintenance intervals, and your car will not let you down and will always be a pleasure to drive. Call Lake Toyota today to schedule a maintenance service, and the qualified and experienced technicians will ensure that your vehicle is reliable, safe, and fuel-efficient.