How Often Should You Replace Your Toyota’s Brake Pads?

The brake pads on your Toyota are essential brake system components and must be thick enough to slow your vehicle down. To ensure that your RAV4, Corolla, or Tacoma is always safe to drive, it’s vital to have regular brake inspections and pad replacements from the qualified technicians at your Toyota dealer.

Pad Wear and Thickness

The lifespan of the pads depends on various factors, including your driving habits and the frequency with which you use your brakes. When you drive your car in heavy traffic and use your brakes often, your pads will wear faster, and if you tend to avoid congested roads and don’t have to brake that often, your pads will last much longer.

New pads typically measure between eight to twelve millimeters thick, but over time, they wear down. Generally, if your pads are seven millimeters thick or more, they should still work effectively. Once they reach a thickness of four to six millimeters, it’s time to consider replacing them. If the pads wear down to three millimeters or less, replacing them as soon as possible is crucial for your safety.

Brake Service and Pad Replacement Intervals

Your vehicle’s brakes must be serviced and tested regularly to ensure the pads never wear too thin, prevent brake failure, and keep you safe on the road. Toyota recommends a thorough brake inspection when the oil is changed every 5,000 miles or six months, whichever comes first. During each service, the Toyota technician will carefully inspect your car’s brake system to ensure it’s working properly.

The technician will also check the pads for wear and measure their thickness. At the 10,000-mile interval, the technician will inspect the brake lines and hoses, and at the 20,000-mile maintenance interval, they’ll replace the brake fluid if necessary. The recommended brake system inspection intervals for your specific Toyota model are in your owner’s manual or speak to a Toyota technician.

Genuine Toyota Brake Components

It’s important to use genuine Toyota brake components if you want the assurance that your brakes are working properly. Genuine Toyota brake components are designed and manufactured to fit your Toyota perfectly.

Opting for ceramic pads can reduce noise, heat, and brake dust while prolonging the rotor life, guaranteeing excellent reliability and long-lasting braking performance. Plus, when you go to your dealer to replace your car’s pads, you can trust that a factory-trained Toyota technician will expertly install them.

The Importance of Replacing Pads Regularly

Your car’s pads must be thick enough to slow down and stop your car adequately. To maintain complete control of your vehicle, give you maximum stopping power, and optimize your braking performance, replace the pads before they wear too thin to ensure your safety behind the wheel.


To give you the necessary braking power, head over to Ed Martin Toyota today for guaranteed brake performance every time you hit the pedal. The qualified Toyota technicians will thoroughly check your brakes, replace the pads if required, and ensure your brake system functions properly.

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