Does Your Ford Need a Brake Repair?

Five percent of road accidents occur each year in the US because of brake failure. That’s 300,000 accidents which could mostly have been avoided with more careful brake maintenance. Drivers should always pay close attention to any sign of deterioration in their brakes. If you notice any of the following three problems, head straight to your local Ford dealer for brake repair.

Insufficient Brake Fluid

Your brakes use a hydraulic system to transfer the relatively small pressure of your foot on the pedal into enough force to clamp the rotors and stop your car. Brake fluid is responsible for maintaining that high hydraulic pressure and transferring the force.

Brake fluid doesn’t need to be changed often, but it must occasionally be refreshed. Most Ford models recommend changing it every four or five years because brake fluid does eventually begin to wear down with age. Perhaps because of this infrequent schedule, some drivers forget all about it until it’s too late. When you take your car in for periodical brake inspections, the technician will always check your fluid levels and inform you if it’s nearing time for a change.

Watch Out for Leaks

If your brake hoses spring a leak, you’ll immediately notice a disconcerting sponginess to your brakes. Without the fluid maintaining optimal hydraulic pressure, you’ll no longer be able to stop your car as effectively.

Brake fluid has a yellowy color which can become brown with age. If you ever notice a yellow or brown liquid pooling under your hood or car, you have a brake fluid leak and should have it fixed immediately.

Worn Out Brake Pads

Brake pads wear down a fraction more every time you stop your car. Ford drivers should have their pads replaced every 10,000 to 20,000 miles, depending on how brake-heavy their driving style and conditions are. Loud squealing or grinding sounds while braking are certain indicators that at least one of your brake pads needs replacing.  

Damaged Rotors

Rotors last far longer and you probably won’t have to replace your rotors more often than once every 50,000 to 70,000 miles. If your braking mechanism ever overheats due to excessive continual braking, rotors can become damaged by scoring or melted brake pad resin. If your rotors are damaged in this way, you’re likely to notice vibrations through your brake pedal or steering wheel. They’ll have to be repaired or replaced.

How a Ford Dealer Inspects Your Brakes

The technician will check your brake fluid levels and carefully examine all the hoses and connections for leaks. They’ll raise your vehicle and take off the wheels, calipers, pads, and rotors, inspecting each one for signs of damage. By the time a good brake inspection is finished, you can rest assured that you’re safe on the road.

Have experienced professionals inspect and repair your brakes today at Bob Maxey Ford-Howell. We’re the go-to dealership for the drivers of Fowlerville, Pinckney, Brighton, and Fenton, MI. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff are always on hand to provide exceptional service, whatever your vehicle needs may be.

Image by Ralph from Pixabay

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