The brakes are often one of the first components in your car to need replacing or repairing. They’re your number one piece of safety gear, so head to your Ford dealer for a brake repair as soon as you notice one of the signs below.
1. It’s Taking Longer to Stop
Once you’ve been driving for a while, you get a feel for how long it takes your car to stop when you hit the brakes. If you notice it’s taking longer than usual, then it’s time to head to the dealer to get your brakes checked. Even a couple of seconds longer between the time you put your foot down and the time your car stops can cause problems.
2. It’s Getting Noisy
If your brakes squeak and squeal, then it’s time to get them looked at. It’s usually a minor issue, such as worn-down brake pads. You should always listen out for squeaking or squealing noises coming from your vehicle at least once on every journey, as this will help you catch problems early.
3. It’s Showing on Your Dash
Sometimes brake problems will show up on your dash as the brake pad indicator light will illuminate. This light doesn’t always mean your brake pads need replacing. There could be a more serious issue at play, so you should get your brakes checked out fully by a factory-trained Ford technician as soon as you can.
4. It’s Spongy When You Use the Brakes
Your brake pedal should always feel firm and have some resistance to it. If it feels spongy when you press down on it, then you need to get your brake system checked out. There may be moisture or air somewhere in the system, or perhaps you have problems with your master cylinder. You should consider these problems emergencies, as they could interfere with your ability to brake. That puts everyone on the road in danger.
5. It Smells like Burning When You Brake
Always be on the lookout for burning aromas while driving. Sometimes a burning smell can indicate your engine is too hot, and sometimes it means your brake system is overheating. If the smell occurs once you use the brakes, then it’s likely the brake system that’s the issue. Pull over, shut your car off completely, and let it cool down for 30 to 40 minutes. Once this time has elapsed, you can safely drive to your nearest dealer for a brake checkup.
Come to Hunt Ford so one of our Ford technicians can fix up your brakes ASAP. We’ll answer any questions you have about brake and overall car maintenance, too.
Connect with us
