All drivers dread pressing on the brake pedal and experiencing catastrophic brake failure. Fortunately, this phenomenon rarely occurs out of the blue, without prior warning. If you’re regularly taking your car to your local Ford dealer for Brake Servicing and you’re also looking out for any sign of brake trouble, then you’re unlikely ever to have serious brake problems. Here are the four most common signs that your vehicle needs prompt brake repair.
Brake Fade
Prolonged braking in heavy stop-and-go traffic or hilly terrain can sometimes cause braking mechanisms to overheat. When the resin in a brake pad becomes too hot, it starts to melt, releasing a minuscule amount of gas as it does. This gas coats the pad in a micro-thin layer that robs the pad of frictional force. As a result, your brakes temporarily lose stopping power, which is called brake fade.
This dangerous situation can usually be resolved by pulling over at once and allowing your brakes to cool. If your brakes don’t return to normal function when you start driving again, it’s best to have a technician take a look.
Rotor Damage
Overheated rotors become susceptible to damage. If they get too hot, the brake pads can leave score marks in the rotor’s iron or ceramic. Brake pads that wear down too far can also harm rotor discs. And if the resin in a brake pad melts under excessive heat, it will often coat the rotor, hardening into an uneven surface.
Scored rotors often cause odd vibrations, which you can feel through the brake pedal. Your braking might also become slightly sluggish. Damaged rotors can usually be resurfaced once or twice, restoring their function. Otherwise, they’ll have to be replaced.
Worn Brake Pads
Brake pads steadily wear down over time. The friction layer that presses against the rotor discs has a little bit scraped away each time you stop your car.
When they reach a sufficiently diminished state, brake pads usually emit a high-pitched whining sound. This noise is a surefire sign that at least one brake pad needs replacing. When you take your car in for periodical brake servicing, your technician will also let you know how worn down your pads are.
Leaking Brake Fluid
Brake fluid is yellow in color when fresh and brown when starting to age. If you ever notice a fluid like this puddling under your car, it’s best not to drive. A professional will need to find and fix the leak.
The hydraulic force in your brake hoses and mechanisms is maintained by the brake fluid. If the fluid is leaking out, then air is leaking in, and pressure is reduced. Your brakes will become spongy and might even fail altogether.
How Often to Visit Your Ford Dealer for Brake Servicing
For every driver on the road, brake inspections are one of the most important servicing visits. It’s recommended to have your brakes examined every six months. If you drive under conditions that require excessive braking, every three months might be necessary.
Have your brakes inspected and repaired today at North County Ford. We have the largest selection of Ford vehicles in Vista, CA.
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