Many drivers are surprised to learn that their brakes are integral to the vehicle's electronic "brain." Modern Toyotas utilize the braking hardware to power:

• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): Prevents wheel lock-up during hard braking.
• Vehicle Stability Control (VSC): Helps prevent skidding and loss of control during cornering.
• Traction Control (TRAC): Manages wheel spin on slippery Edmonton roads.

If your mechanical brake components are sticking or underperforming, these life-saving electronic systems cannot function at 100% efficiency.

Whether your Toyota is equipped with four-wheel disc brakes or a disc/drum combination, it is constantly under siege from the elements. In the Edmonton area, our vehicles face unique environmental contaminants that lead to premature wear:

1. Winter Road Chemicals: Road salt and calcium chloride are excellent for melting ice but devastating for metal components, leading to rapid corrosion.
2. Abrasive Debris: Gravel and dirt from our secondary roads can lodge themselves in your brake assemblies.
3. Moisture & Temperature Swings: Constant freezing and thawing cycles can cause brake components to "seize" or stick.

These factors cause abnormal operation, "drag" (where the pad stays in contact with the rotor), and excessive heat buildup.

To ensure your vehicle remains safe and efficient, Doug Dixon and the Gateway Toyota team recommend a comprehensive brake service every 2 years or 32,000 kilometers.

"A brake service isn't just an inspection; it’s a proactive restoration of your braking performance," says Doug Dixon.

When you bring your vehicle to Gateway Toyota, we perform a deep-cleaning and lubrication process that goes far beyond a simple visual check:

• Wheel Removal: For a complete 360-degree view of the system.
• Caliper & Pad Disassembly: We remove the pads and calipers to inspect for uneven wear patterns.
• Thorough Cleaning: We strip away road salt, calcium chloride, and grit from the pads and sliders.
• Lubrication: Applying specialized high-heat lubricant to the sliders to ensure the pads move freely.
• Hardware Inspection: Ensuring every clip and spring is positioned for optimal "return" to reduce drag.