So I noticed tonight that my car squeaks while I drive and while I brake. Last oil change, 4K miles ago, inspection showed 7mm on all pads. I doubt that I've used up my pads since then, but what could cause this squeaking? No difference in braking ability or pulsing when braking. I washed my car today and spent some time on the rims. If rust, wouldn't it be gone after a few good braking events?

Also, these are f sport pads. Not the low brake dust type. Rims are always dirty.

 

Update: Dont go by an inspection report, check yourself!

Turns out my 8mm of brake pad was really much less. Found out today that I had less than 1mm left. The service specialist wanted me to come look and sure enough I could barely see my pads. My rotors had two lips as well! Both fronts were gone. Fortunately, I came by in time to avoid metal on metal damage. Rear pads looked great still.

$259 out of the door at Toyota for new pads and resurfaced rotors. I'll be keeping a close eye on these from now on.

-Matt

 

Definitely agree to check them yourself!

Same situation happened to me. During a Lexus inspection, I had 6mm left...well 5K later, I had less than 1mm! I think the service tech didn't check it properly (I bet he was lazy). Service manager was dumbfounded at the sudden wear. This resulted in me having to replace my rotors (too thin) and pads. Lexus wanted $670 (offered me 10% off for their mistake) - I did it myself about for $200. Benefit was upgraded parts.

 

Never trust stealerships...they all do such shoddy work. That's why i didn't even go in for my first 2 free services. Dealership will only see my car if there's a recall or warranty claim.

 

My Toyota dealer does my oil changes for $41 and throws in an inspection (failed me for this example though)

Brakes and oil should be easy enough not to mess up. I was hoping to do my brakes, but this wound up an emergency due to faulty recording of pad thickness. No time to order pads and find a YouTube video.

 

Exactly the reason why so many cars get messed up. Dealerships don't make money on oil changes, which is why the techs screw up so much. You wouldn't believe how many oil filler bolts i've heard of falling out because the tech didn't tighten it enough (likely because he was rushing).

Also, brakes are pretty much the same on every car, so once you learn it once, you should be good. I can only speak for myself, but i always prepare ahead of time and buy the parts before i need them. If i know i'm 500mi away from needing a brake job? buy the pads now. then i can change them whenever i want, especially if an emergency happens. I always keep oil and filters on hand too since i change them out much more often than brake pads. Just my $0.02