Getting a Brake Repair for Your Ford

January 05, 2023 · 3 min read

The braking system in your Ford gives you control over your speed. It allows you to stop whenever and wherever you want. This system, however, requires regular services to keep it in good condition. Driving conditions, the environment, and heat and pressure in the system can all lead to damage. As your Ford dealer, we can repair any problem for you. These are signs that you may need a brake repair soon.

Burning Chemical Smell

If you smell a sickly chemical odor when you brake, this is a sign you have a brake problem. Brake fluid is essential for your brakes to provide the hydraulic power that enables the braking system to function. Brake fluid needs to be changed at regular intervals according to your car manual. If the fluid isn't changed when it's due, it will slowly develop problems. The fluid gradually loses its heat-resistant properties. The pressure in the braking system will heat the fluid, which can start to burn. This produces a chemical smell. It's important to visit us ASAP before this happens, as burnt brake fluid prevents your braking system from working.

Hard Brake Pedal

You always expect resistance when you step on the brake pedal, but not total resistance. A hard brake pedal is a situation where the brake pedal almost won't move when you step on it. It requires far more effort than it should depress the pedal. This is dangerous, as it reduces your ability to stop suddenly should you need to. The hard pedal is caused by the failure of the brake pedal booster. The booster uses a vacuum system to provide 10x human strength to engage the brakes. Any failure of the booster due to wear or damage can compromise the vacuum. If the vacuum is damaged, the booster won't work. Our technicians can test the booster and install a new one if it's damaged.

Braking Vibrations

If you feel a vibration through the pedal each time you brake, we need to check your rotors and brake pads. The most likely cause of this problem is worn brake pads. The heat from braking can liquify some of the adhesives on one of the worn pads. The liquid adhesive is then spread across the rotor. The adhesive will dry very quickly but leaves an uneven surface on the rotor. More adhesive will be added to the surface each time you brake. The vibrations you feel are caused by a brake caliper grabbing an uneven rotor surface. We can replace the damaged pads and clean the rotor to fix the problem. Worn or damaged brakes are dangerous. Call us today at Gates Ford Lincoln. Image courtesy of Ford

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Nov 28, 2023 in Gates Ford Lincoln Service

Does Your Ford Need New Tires?

When your tires are worn down or damaged, it affects your car's steering and braking ability and increases the risk of a blowout. This can ultimately lead to an accident, so keeping your tires in good condition is vital. To ensure your safety, below are ways to determine when you need new tires from your Ford dealer. Age Typically, a set of tires can last up to six years. However, it's important to note that the rubber deteriorates with age due to environmental factors. As a result, even if your tires appear to be in good condition, there may still be underlying damage. One of the best ways to estimate the remaining life of your tires is by checking their manufacturing date. You can determine the age of your tires by finding the tire identification numbers on the sidewalls. This number starts with "DOT," followed by a series of numbers. The last four numbers indicate the week and year of manufacture, respectively. Wear It's important to check the tread depth and wear patterns on your tires at least once a month. The wear indicators in the rubber become visible and make a noise when your tread is worn. According to the guidelines set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), it's best to replace tires if the tread depth reaches 2/32 inches, as they are considered unsafe. Another way to tell it's time to replace your tires is uneven tread wear. If you notice that the tread wear indicators are visible in some areas of the tire but not others, or if you see spots where wear appears different from those in other areas, you should get a new set of tires. Damage Examine each tire on your car regularly for signs of damage. Check for any cracks, cuts, or blisters on the sidewalls of each tire. Sidewall damage is usually caused by driving over debris on the road. Structural damage is a safety risk and can cause a blowout. Vibrations When you're driving, paying attention to your vehicle's performance is crucial because you will often feel it when something is wrong with your tires. If you sense vibrations, it might indicate a damaged tire. Having your technician check it out as soon as possible is always better to keep you safe while driving. The tires on your Ford play a critical part in keeping you safe behind the wheel. You need to replace your tires if they are old, worn, or damaged beyond repair. If your tires need replacing, stop at Gates Ford Lincoln today for a set of new rubber, and the tire specialists will help you find the perfect tires for your vehicle.

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