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Randall Reed Family Owned & Operated Since 1992
The brakes of your Ford vehicle are vital to maintaining control and avoiding accidents as you drive around Dallas, Texas. That's why it's important to keep your brakes in good working order and stay ahead of their maintenance needs.
The braking system in your car isn't complex, but it is under constant pressure as you make planned and unplanned stops, slow down your vehicle, or put it into gear. You want reliable performance as you put your foot down on the brake pedal to make your next move. The rotors, brake pads, and calipers all work in harmony with each other, and when one of those parts wears down, it's time to come see us at Planet Ford Dallas for Ford brake service.
We want to help you keep your Ford vehicle braking properly so you can stay safe and feel comfortable behind the wheel. Here's a look at the signs that your brakes need service and when you should come see us at our Ford service center to get them repaired:
As a general rule, brake pads last about 30,000 to 35,000 miles in average driving conditions. That means you can expect to replace the pads about every three years, depending on how much you drive and how much time you spend in traffic. Ideally, you should replace the pads sooner to keep ahead of their wear and tear. This also prevents the risk of damage to the rotor from wearing the brake pads down to the metal. Some brake pads can last thousands of miles beyond 35,000, but should also be inspected regularly.
The rotors, or discs, are the thick plates that rest behind the wheels. This is where the caliper and brake pads clamp onto to slow down your car. The rotors typically last between 50,000 to 70,000 miles; if you sell your vehicle before reaching this point, you may never need to service the rotors. However, the rotors are still prone to warping or becoming uneven during their lifespan.
Brake calipers can last the longest out of all the moving brake parts. They can last between 75,000 to 100,000 miles or 10 years. The brake caliper is a moving clamp presses the brake pads against the rotor. They respond to the pressure you put on the brake pedal, whether a soft press to reduce speed or a hard slam for a sudden stop.
Their operation is simple, and it takes a long time for them to seize or fail. Getting the calipers looked at during a regular tire rotation is still a good idea to ensure they're not about to fail.
Brakes do a good job of alerting you when they need service. They squeal, vibrate, or make grinding noises as the parts wear down. Ceramic brake pads are designed for silent operation, but they have a metal strip that appears when they're worn down to a certain point. You'll hear a metallic squeal or similar noise to alert you that your pads are almost done, and it's time to come see us at Planet Ford Dallas.
Another sign is vibration in the steering wheel. This can result from a rotor that's warped or worn unevenly or the pads themselves are worn unevenly. This is due to the rotor pushing back against the brake pad and caliper when they're pressing against an uneven surface. It's akin to putting a warped record on a record player and putting the needle down to listen. The needle rocks up and down on the warped record the same way the uneven rotor pushes the caliper and pad up and down.
A loss in stopping distance is another sign that your brakes are wearing down and need work. Brake parts hold their stopping distance for a long time, but if you notice that it seems like it takes longer to stop, your brakes are in need of service.
Spongy brakes are a sign of air in the lines, a loss of brake fluid, or a damaged brake line. There are a number of causes of a spongy brake feeling, and you should get the brakes inspected at Planet Ford Dallas as soon as possible. A loss of brake fluid can result in less brake control and difficulty stopping.
Hearing your brakes making noise is a sign they need service. It's also a sign that a part is at the end of its life and needs replacing. Don't ignore the noise when you notice it, and make an appointment at our service center as soon as possible. You want your Ford to operate reliably and safely. Getting your brakes serviced quickly helps you avoid the problem and feel good about driving your Ford again.
You can prevent noise by bringing your Ford in for regular brake service. This means you don't have to deal with the irritation and annoyance of listening to your brakes make noise or feel a vibration in your steering wheel. It also eliminates the stress and worries about the safe operation of your Ford.
At Planet Ford Dallas, our service center is staffed with factory-trained technicians with years of experience fixing Ford vehicles. Your Ford gets the best possible service when you bring your car to our service center and have our technicians do the work. They're familiar with Ford's best practices, keep up on the latest repair bulletins, and install original equipment manufacturer parts that keep your Ford running like new.
Give us a call or use our online service scheduler to make an appointment that's convenient for you. We also list our latest specials on our website for you to take advantage of and save money on regular service. At Planet Ford Dallas, we want you to feel safe behind the wheel of your Ford.
Photo Credit: F150 Brake Guard by Truck Hardware is licensed with CC BY 2.0