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Brake service

Discussion in 'Prime Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Kerrylynn, Feb 25, 2021.

  1. Kerrylynn

    Kerrylynn Junior Member

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    I just had my 2019 Prius Prime in for service at 33000 km. They tried to sell me brake work before they started and told me that I needed brake service afterwards. This is frustrating as I was told the same with my 2005 Prius , took it to a brake shop and 8 years later,the brakes needed work. Are they trying to rip me off again?
     
  2. John321

    John321 Senior Member

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    Obviously I am not able to see your brakes or their condition but what I can do is share my experience with a Prius.

    Our 2008 Prius had 155,000 miles (250341 km) when we sold it. I did all the maintenance on it for the 12 years we owned it. I checked the brakes at each tire rotation and in the 12 year time period we owned our Prius the brake pads never showed appreciable wear.

    The brake pads have wear indicators that scratch the rotor when they have reached their maximum wear point and make an distinctive high pitch squeal every time you apply the brakes.

    If you could find an honest mechanic they can measure the thickness of your brake pads and compare that to the minimum recommended pad thickness to make a determination if the pads need replacing. They can also watch the bakes activate with the tires off and determine if the calipers are engaging and releasing as they should as well as view the rotors condition and thickness. Many conscientious mechanics would do this with the customer watching at a safe distance and observing safety procedures so you can see the same things they observe and better understand their recommendations. A good shop should take care of their customers by answering all their question and showing them the vehicle and problem. If you had to walk away not really knowing if your brakes needed work it is that shops fault not yours.

    Under normal wear conditions it would be unlikely you need new brakes.

    There is always a but - brakes are an essential safety component and a vitally important part of the vehicle to keep maintained.
     
    #2 John321, Feb 26, 2021
    Last edited: Feb 26, 2021
  3. ETC(SS)

    ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

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    Key word: "again"

    They cannot rip you off if you don't take your car there.

    33,000 of those funny click-things is about 20,000 miles.
    Thanks to the googles I didn't even have to bug @Mendel Leisk for a conversion. :p

    First of all..... John321 (above) is right.
    Brakes are pretty important.....ESPECIALLY if you drive on public roads.

    HOWEVER (comma!)
    If a dealer tried to sell me brake service for a GMC 4x4 pickup with only 20,000 miles on the odometer and my suspicions were proven correct that this is "up-selling" unneeded service....... I would never darken their doorstep again and I would consider not buying their cars any more.
    I'm just guessing here....but I'm thinking that even in Canada small cars with regenerative brakes do not require servicing every 20,000 miles other than a 5-minute inspection (IF they're being especially thorough!!)

    Easy way to find out?
    Get a second opinion.

    I personally would NOT....but then I'm capable of inspecting my brakes and making a quasi-educated as to whether or not they are safe and in good running order.
    Dealerships will sometimes gamble that one of their CUSTOMERS will not want to take the gamble.

    One of life's interesting little ironies is that they ALSO make money by SELLING CARS.



    Reason #6842 that I drive Toyotas nearly every day but haven't bought one since 1989. ;)
     
    #3 ETC(SS), Feb 26, 2021
    Last edited: Feb 26, 2021
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    If you check the Toyota USA Warranty and Maintenance Booklet: the more in-depth brake inspection IS recommended, at 30k miles or 3 years IIRC. A brake “service” is NOT synonymous with pad replacement, and for sure not with rotor replacement. It’s an in-depth look over, cleaning and relube, usually.
     
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  5. John321

    John321 Senior Member

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    excellent point!
     
  6. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Just noticed OP’s in B.C. LOL. Toyota Canada recommends 32k kms* for more in-depth brake inspection.

    Maintenance Schedule - Toyota Canada

    I
    believe that’s “or 2 years, whichever comes first”, but Toyota Canada’s schedule appears to be online only, and an interactive pita.
     
    #6 Mendel Leisk, Feb 26, 2021
    Last edited: Feb 26, 2021
  7. davecook89t

    davecook89t Senior Member

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    What kind of brake work were they proposing? Did they simply suggest an inspection? What were they going to charge for that?
     
  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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  9. Kerrylynn

    Kerrylynn Junior Member

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    I need to get my summer tires put on so I plan on going to a reliable mechanic I know to get it done. I'll get them to check the brakes. The only reason I go to the dealer now is I got a number of checks included in my purchase price and warranty.
     
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