The ultimate goal of car manufacturers nowadays is to sell as many vehicles as they can to as many people as they can. They do this by making a model car for everyone, which is why the most successful car brand today, in terms of car sales, is none other than Toyota.
Also, the brand has had models running for many decades and little discontinuation of past generation vehicles as they merely upgrade them to something more modern. Toyotas are so dependable that the most common non-engine-related service you’ll do is the pads, and like throttle controllers, they help in maintaining vehicle performance and efficiency.
Types of Brake Pads
NAO
NAO or non-asbestos organic pads are the most affordable ones you can get for your Toyota. That’s mainly because they are made from organic materials like rubber, glass and Kevlar alongside resins which act as binders. However, because of this, NAO are one of the most reliable Toyota brand brake pads, which are mostly used on everyday commuter vehicles since they have a short lifespan when compared to their heavier counterparts.
Semi-Metallic
With a set of semi-metallic pads, your Toyota will have not only more capable ones but also longer-lasting brake pads. Semi-metallic pads may generate more noise when braking, however, they can take on more heat than NAO pads and generate less brake dust, which is crucial for their longevity.
Metallic
A metallic Toyota brake pad is one that has a higher content of different types of metal in it than a semi-metallic pad. The former may create more noise when braking, but that’s also because it applies more stopping power and can bring your vehicle to a stop quickly. Metallic Toyota brake pads don’t perform well in the cold and can take some time to warm up before you get the true performance-oriented experience they offer.
Ceramic
The most expensive set of brake pads you can get for your Japanese car is made of ceramic fibres mixed together with mineral, Aramid and copper fibres. This solution makes for an exceptionally heat-resistant material that can take on heavy braking for long periods of time. They are also quieter and create very little to no brake dust. However, ceramic pads are the most expensive and need a lot longer to warm up than metallic pads.
When to Replace Brake Pads
Light
The most obvious sign you’ll see when the time comes to get new Toyota brand brake pads is a warning light on your dashboard. This indicates that your pads are either close to wearing out below the legal limit or worn down to it. However, not all models come with Toyota brake pad wear sensors, which is when you should pay attention to other factors.
Sound
An indicative sign of worn brake pads that you can hear is a loud screeching sound when you brake. The noise is louder the harder you brake, which means the metal clips on the pads, which are there to make the noise, are coming in contact with the disc, telling you that you need new pads.
Pulling
Another sign of worn brake pads that occurs when you’re braking is compromised is when your vehicle starts to pull to one side. This could also be due to uneven pad wear, but nonetheless, it’s still connected to there not being enough friction material. This can cause an imbalance of braking power and cause the car to stray to the left or right.
Inspection
A visual inspection of the pads can tell you how much material is left on them and whether or not you need new ones. Keep in mind, though, that not all vehicles allow you to see the pad pressed against the disc. Regardless, the pads shouldn’t have less than 3mm of friction material on them, otherwise, you’ll need to replace them.
What Makes Brake Pads Last Longer
Abruptness
If you want to preserve your Toyota brake pads as much as possible, you should avoid stopping abruptly. Sudden starts and stops can wear down the pads rather quickly, especially the latter, which is why you should try to do these actions smoothly.
Driving
How you drive affects the braking system, especially the pads, quite a bit. This is why defensive driving is best, as it puts a lot less stress on the brakes and suspension.
Acceleration
Accelerating quickly from every stop sign and red light puts a lot of burden not just on the engine and gearbox, but also on the brakes when the time comes to stop or slow down again. Gentler acceleration means gentler braking.
Speed
You should always keep in mind your speed, no matter if you’re in city traffic or on the motorway, as the higher the speed you’re travelling at, the more pressure is put on the brakes when the time comes to stop.
Engine Braking
To keep your pads lasting a long time, you should use your brakes as little as possible without it being unsafe. This is where engine braking comes into play, as you row down gears or let go of the accelerator in advance so that the engine slows down your car.
