Each year, 300,000 road accidents are caused by brake failure in the US, 12,000 of which are in Michigan alone. A great many of these accidents could be avoided with more careful brake maintenance. It’s important to identify and repair brake issues early on before they grow into more dangerous problems. With this in mind, the following five warning signs should prompt you to visit your local Ford dealer for brake repair as soon as possible.
Your Car Pulls to One Side
When a problem first develops in a brake mechanism, it often only applies to the brake on one wheel. This means one side of your car has lost some of its stopping power, which might cause it to pull to one side whenever you brake. This lopsided pulling is usually more noticeable when the brake problem is at the front of the car.
Your Brake Pedal Feels Spongy
The brake pedal should always feel firm underfoot. If you ever press it and notice a soft or spongy sensation, you might have a brake problem.
Sponginess often means one of your brake hoses is leaking fluid. This is potentially dangerous as brake fluid maintains the essential hydraulic pressure that transmits the stopping signal from the pedal to the caliper. If a leak occurs, both that pressure and the stopping signal are diminished.
Your Brakes Lose Traction
Another immediately dangerous brake issue is if you step on the pedal, but your car is slow to respond. If you ever experience any loss of brake traction like this, pull over at once before the problem worsens.
A loss of traction might be caused by overheating brakes, which can sometimes occur when brakes are used continually for extended periods of time. Hilly roads, steep roads, heavy traffic, and towing heavy trailers can all potentially cause overheating brakes.
You Feel Rhythmic Vibrations
When a brake rotor becomes damaged by overheating, age, or a worn-down brake pad, it might warp slightly out of shape. If this happens, you’re likely to feel a rhythmic vibration through the brake pedal whenever you use it.
You Hear Squeaking Sounds
Brake pads inevitably wear down over time and generally need to be replaced every 30,000 to 80,000 miles. When a brake pad is on its last legs, it’s designed to emit a squeaking sound to draw your attention.
Have Frequent Brake Servicing at Your Local Ford Dealer
Given how important brakes are to road safety, it’s important never to miss a servicing visit. Most drivers should have their brakes serviced at least twice a year, whenever they take their car in for tire rotation and fresh oil.
Visit Zeigler Ford of Plainwell today to have your brakes examined and repaired by qualified technicians. We offer a large inventory of new and used vehicles for every driving taste.
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