7 Signs Your Ford Needs a Brake Repair

Are your car’s brakes squeaking, grinding, vibrating, or growing less reliable in any way? When it comes to your brakes, it’s crucial never to ignore strange behaviors or symptoms of damage. If you notice any of the following issues, head straight to your local Ford dealership for brake repair. 

Less Responsive Brakes

We’ll start with the most alarming symptom of all: weak or unresponsive brakes. If you’re pressing the pedal, but your car isn’t slowing down as it should, there’s a serious fault. Pull over safely as soon as you can.

Weakening brakes might be caused by overheating pads and rotors. This can sometimes occur when brakes are used continually without pause. If your brakes don’t return to normal strength once they’ve cooled down, have a trusted technician take a look.

Car Pulling to Either Side

If a brake mechanism weakens on just one side, you may find the car pulling to one side when you brake. This is also a safety hazard, so stop driving and seek professional assistance.

Puddles Under the Wheel Wells

Brake fluid fills the brake lines, maintaining hydraulic pressure, which allows instant transmission of stopping signals from the pedal to the brake calipers. If you ever notice a yellowy or brown fluid puddling under the wheel wells or anywhere else beneath the car, you might have leaking brake fluid. This means your car is unsafe to drive.

Soft or Spongy Brake Pedal

When brake fluid leaks, hydraulic pressure is lost and your brakes become weaker. This can cause the brake pedal to feel soft and spongy when you press it.

Squealing or Squeaking Sounds

Any high-pitched squealing or squeaking noises from your brakes might indicate a worn-out brake pad. Modern brake pads are engineered to emit this sound to let you know it’s time for a new one.

Metallic Grinding Noises

If a brake pad wears away completely, you may hear rough metallic grinding. This is a more urgent signal that your brakes need immediate attention. 

Rhythmic Vibrations in the Pedal

Damaged or malformed brake rotors often create vibrations when used. If you feel pulsing vibrations through the brake pedal or steering wheel, one of your rotors may need to be resurfaced or replaced.

Book Biannual Brake Inspections at Your Local Ford Dealership

Most drivers should have their brakes thoroughly inspected twice a year. And if you frequently drive in heavy stop-and-go traffic or put your Ford through other brake-heavy driving conditions, consider even more frequent inspection intervals. 

Visit Fury Motors in South Saint Paul, MN, today to have your brakes checked and repaired by qualified technicians.