WHEELS & ROTORS

Proper maintenance of your Lexus wheels – including the tires, rims and brakes – will keep you driving safely and efficiently for many miles. With some basic care, these components will not only perform better but they will last longer as well.

While the tire pressure gauge in your Lexus will alert you whenever there is too little air, you should also do a routine visual check of the tires for wear or other damage. Look for uneven wear patterns and unusual bumps in the sidewall, especially if you’ve hit a curb or other road hazard. If you find anything out of the ordinary, get your vehicle in for service as soon as possible. Our Lexus technicians will also inspect your wheels and tires during every service visit.
 

Schedule Service
Service & Parts Specials

 

What You Can Do

Between service visits you can do a static brake test on your own to check for more obvious problems, such as a brake fluid leak. While your car is parked, simply press down on the brake pedal and note whether there is any softness or spongy feeling. The pedal should also offer resistance and not go easily to the floor. Do not drive the car if it fails this static brake test; have it towed in for service as soon as possible.

In addition to paying attention for signs of brake problems, you can extend the life of your Lexus rotors, brake pads, and tires by driving less aggressively and limiting hard stops. Using the brakes causes their surfaces to wear down – for example, the ceramic brake pads lose some material with every stop. If you don’t mind a bit of hands-on maintenance, you can get into the habit of checking the brake fluid on your own between scheduled service visits.

If you need any service related to your Lexus wheels and brakes, please make an appointment by calling 413-787-0099, or use our convenient Service Appointment Form.
 

Brakes & Rotors

Your brakes and their components should be checked by an authorized technician at least every 10,000 miles. This routine checkup will include the following crucial points:

  • Checking the thickness of brake pads and shoes
  • Lexus rotor and drum measuring
  • Inspection of the cylinders, calipers, brake lines, hoses and valves
  • Topping off or replacing brake fluid as needed

 

Lexus - Tire replacement
If the rotors are warped or pitted, braking power will be reduced and you may feel vibration when braking or during highway driving. Rotors can be “turned” or resurfaced to remove the imperfections, but that will thin the metal and possibly compromise brake performance. When in doubt, simply replace the rotors.

The emergency brake should also be inspected regularly to ensure that it stays in good working order. Sometimes when a parking brake is failing (usually if the cable is stretched or broken and needs to be replaced) the parking brake indicator will be illuminated on the dash.

Warning Signs of Brake Wear
Keep an eye (and ear) out for these warning signs that your braking system needs attention:

  • Longer than normal stopping time
  • Unusual noise when braking: grinding, squealing, scraping or screeching
  • Wobbling or vibration in the steering wheel or brake pedal
  • Spongy/soft feeling in the brake pedal
  • Brake fluid leaking from car
  • Parking brake indicator light is on