Driving with worn or damaged brakes is dangerous and can easily result in an accident. Fortunately, if you have a brake problem in Pataskala, OH, your Ford dealer can help you. We can test your braking system and repair any possible problem. We’d like you to know some warning signs that you may need a brake repair very soon.
Screeching, Grinding, and Squealing
Strange noises when you hit the brakes are never a good sign. Your brakes don’t make any sound as they work, so any sound is a sign of potential trouble. Screeching noises are made by a worn brake pad that needs replacement. When your pads have worn down to 1/4″ thick, they will screech as a warning that they need to be replaced.
Grinding noises are more serious, as they mean your brake pads have completely worn down. The metal of the brake pads is gouging the surface of the rotors and producing this unnerving sound. Replacing the pads will cause screeching and grinding noises to disappear. Squealing noises are usually made by a rusted or jammed caliper trying to engage. We’ll examine your brakes to fix this problem.
Brake Fluid Leak
Brake fluid is essential for your braking system, as it provides the hydraulic power that allows the braking system to work. When you step on the brake pedal, the brake booster magnifies this pressure and forces the brake fluid into the hoses. The pressure this creates pushes the pins out of the brake calipers, and they clamp against the wheel rotors to slow and stop your wheels.
A brake fluid leak reduces the pressure in the system, and low pressure makes braking slower and more difficult. The fluid can leak from several different places, including damaged hoses or brake lines. A leak is usually difficult to spot, as brake fluid is pale yellow and looks similar to cooking oil. The first sign you usually have of a leak is a slow response from your brakes. We’ll test the system for leaks and repair them to fix this problem.
Damaged Brake Booster
As we saw above, the brake booster produces additional pressure to increase braking efficiency. Older cars didn’t have a booster, and this meant more strain on your muscles to force the brakes to engage. The booster makes braking simpler, faster, and more efficient.
The booster uses a vacuum to generate the required pressure to engage the brakes. If the vacuum is damaged or leaking, braking efficiency will be greatly reduced. Our technicians can test the booster and repair or replace it depending on the problem.
If you’re experiencing braking problems, call our service department right away at Coughlin Ford of Pataskala.
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