You may not realize it, but you rely on your brakes dozens of times even on just a short jaunt across town. As such, your brakes are critical to the safety of your vehicle, and they undergo a lot of stress just by doing their job properly. Ruxer Ford Lincoln wants to make sure you know what to watch for so you can avoid the serious danger of brake problems before they occur.
What to Look For
The best way to get ahead of brake problems is to perform a visual inspection, if possible. If your vehicle has alloy wheels, it should be easy to see the brake rotor by simply looking through the wheel. If you see excess rust, rough patches, or deep grooves, it is time to have your brakes checked out by a trained mechanic. However, do not touch your brake rotors immediately after driving, as they will be incredibly hot and can cause severe burns.
What to Listen For
Everyone knows the tell-tale squealing of brakes that are approaching the end of their life, and that is a built-in feature that is designed to warn you that your brake pads will soon need to be changed. This is when you’ll want to schedule the appointment to have your brakes replaced, because you likely only have a few hundred miles left before you start encountering real trouble.
That real trouble happens when you run out of brake pad material and your brakes begin grinding. This damages the rotor as well as the brake pad, and can even cause expensive damage to your brake calipers that will cost you hundreds if not more.
What to Feel For
As you apply the brakes, if you feel a vibration or pulling in one direction or another, it means that your brakes are in severe need of attention. A vibration typically means that your brake rotors have become overheated and warped, reducing your ability to stop on command. Pulling means that the brakes are stronger on one side of the vehicle than the other, which causes unpredictable handling and can often lead to dangerous situations.
Schedule Your Service Appointment Today!
If you feel your brakes are in need of attention, bring your vehicle to our certified Ford and Lincoln service center in Jasper today!