The Packey Webb Ford service center is your destination for brake service and replacement in Downers Grove, Illinois. If you have questions about your brakes, how they work, and how to know when it’s time to give them some TLC, this guide should help cover your bases, full stop.
With most modern vehicles, brake systems use pads, calipers, and rotors. Some vehicles still use brake drums, but those are largely used on the rear wheels. As most Ford vehicles have similar brake systems, they tend to work in a similar way.
When you put the brake pedal down, it sends brake fluid to your vehicle’s calipers. Calipers are affixed to the outside of the brake rotors, which are the large, round component of your brakes that are visible behind the wheel.
Each caliper houses a brake pad, which presses against the outside of the rotor. This creates friction against the rotor, which helps stop them from spinning, slowing and stopping the vehicle.
There are other components that make up your brake system, including hoses, springs, and cylinders. Each part serves a purpose and is important for the singular job of allowing your vehicle to come to stop quickly.
Some vehicle maintenance issues don’t manifest right away or can be harder to spot. Fortunately, bad brakes show their hand in fairly obvious ways, giving you plenty of time to get ahead of the problem and schedule an appointment at Packey Webb Ford.
The most obvious sign of bad brakes is hearing an unpleasant sound when you put the pedal down. Squealing, screeching, and other high-pitched noises suggest that your brake pads are worn down and needs to be replaced. You may occasionally hear squealing when starting your car cold, but if the sounds persist whenever you apply the brake pedal, you’ll want to schedule an appointment sooner rather than later.
Healthy brakes should feel incredibly responsive — you press the pedal with your foot, there’s very little give, and you can feel the vehicle’s momentum slow immediately. If you press your foot on the pedal and it feels soft, or if you feel that you’re applying more pressure to come to a stop, it most likely means that your brakes are coming due for replacement.
When you push the brake pedal down with your foot, everything should stay straight and smooth. If you notice that there’s vibration coming through the steering wheel or through the pedal itself, that’s a surefire sign that your brakes will need to be replaced soon. Another indicator of bad brakes is having your vehicle pull to the left or right rather than stay straight.
One of the keys to safe driving is staying on top of your vehicle’s maintenance needs. If you go too long between services like oil changes and tire rotations, it makes your vehicle less safe to drive and can end up costing you more money in the long run. Brakes are definitely no exception.
If you notice any of the signs of bad brakes, bring your Ford to our service center as soon as possible and we’ll diagnose the health of your braking system. Replacing and repairing your brakes can be done quickly and easily, and we’ll even offer loaner vehicles to help you get back on the road and go about your business.
Don’t gamble with your safety and ride on bad brakes. Contact Packey Webb Ford for your service and maintenance needs and we’ll make sure you can ride on with full confidence.
