If you’re not paying attention, aging or damaged brakes can take your Ford from perfectly safe to positively dangerous over the course of a short drive. Since brakes age differently depending on where, how often, and at what speed you drive, it’s critical to monitor the status of your brakes. Keep one of your car’s most important safety features working properly by watching out for these six telltale signs that your Ford needs new brakes.
Pulsating Brake Pedal
A common sign that your Ford’s brakes are on their last legs is a brake pedal that pulsates instead of presses smoothly. This pulsation usually comes from the vibration created by worn brake pads and is a clear signal to replace the brake pads before they cause any damage.
Steering Problem
Issues with steering can result from a number of maintenance problems, including malfunctioning brakes. In fact, one of the most frequent causes of steering problems is a stuck or frozen caliper creating unnecessary friction on a single wheel. Even if this problem seems to fix itself, consider having it checked by a vehicle maintenance technician to ensure that your brakes continue to work smoothly.
Thinning Brake Pads
When your Ford maintenance technician first installs new brake pads, they measure about a half-inch thick. As you use your brakes to slow down and stop your car, however, the pads slowly thin out and begin to lose functionality. Check the thickness of each brake pad by peeking between the wheel spokes and looking for the pad, which sits between the caliper and rotor. If your brake pads are less than a quarter-inch thick, it’s time to replace them.
Clicking Sound
As they age, most brake pads make a variety of noises, each of which signal something different. If you hear a clicking noise, this may indicate failure of a manufacturer-installed device that prevents the brake pads from rattling when you brake. A clicking sound may be a sign that the device or the brake pad need to be replaced.
Screeching Noise
Another handy mechanism that indicates your brakes have seen better days is a metal shim that produces a screeching noise. Brake pads that are too thin will trigger this high-pitched sound that’s easy to hear when driving with the windows down or in a quiet car with the windows up. Keep in mind that if you hear this noise just once, it might be a fluke, but if it persists, don’t waste any time getting your brake pads replaced.
Grinding Sound
If you’ve ignored all of the other warning signs that your brakes are at the end of their life, you may hear a grinding sound when attempting to stop. This noise results when the brake pads completely wear away and the main metallic parts of the brake, or the disc and caliper, make sustained contact. If you hear this noise, head straight to your local Ford dealership for a brake checkup and brake pad replacement.
When it comes to brakes, it’s better to be safe than to be sorry. If you suspect your brakes are due for a replacement, schedule a convenient appointment at Ford Lincoln of Franklin’s service center today.
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