Brake Service and Repair at ORO Ford

Your Ford's brakes are its primary safety feature, so it's essential to ensure they're always working properly. If your brakes are worn or faulty, you may not be able to stop your vehicle in time to prevent a collision. To keep your brakes pristine, bring your vehicle to your local Ford service center for routine brake services, such as brake fluid flushes, brake pad replacements, and brake rotor repairs. Let's look at these frequently asked questions to learn more about brake services.

Is It Bad To Replace Brake Pads and Not Rotors?

Replacing your brake rotors when you get new brake pads isn't always necessary. Brake pads typically have a shorter life span than rotors, so they need replacing more often. As a general rule of thumb, you should change your brake pads every 10,000 to 20,000 miles and rotors every 50,000 to 70,000 miles.

However, certain factors can affect the replacement intervals of brake pads and rotors, including:

• Quality and durability of the brake pads and rotors.
• Driving conditions.
• Exposure to the elements.
• Driving habits.

If you have low-quality brake pads and rotors, frequently drive in stop-and-go traffic, or have the habit of braking hard, you can expect your brakes to wear out sooner. Regularly driving in a hilly area or transporting heavy loads can also reduce the longevity of your pads and rotors.

When you bring your Ford to our service center, our expert technicians will inspect your brake system to see if it needs any repairs. However, some circumstances may cause your brakes to go bad between service visits. Below are a few signs indicating that it may be time to replace your brake pads or rotors.

Squeaking or Grinding Noise During Braking

If you hear a squeaking sound when you press the brake pedal, your brake pads have worn down to the extent that their built-in wear indicators are exposed and making contact with the rotors. Ignoring the problem will lead to a grinding sound, which means that the pads are completely worn out and grinding against the rotors. In this situation, you may have to replace both your brake pads and rotors simultaneously.

Vibration or Pulsation When Stopping

If your vehicle shakes or pulsates noticeably when you hit the brakes, you may have warped rotors. This happens because your brakes are no longer able to cool themselves efficiently. Warped rotors can make your car unsafe to drive, so you should schedule a brake service as soon as possible.

Corrosive Rust on the Rotor

It's common for surface rust to form on your brake rotors, and it usually goes away after some time without affecting your vehicle's stopping power. In contrast, corrosive rust is an issue that needs immediate attention as it can undermine the structural integrity of the rotors. It can also cause severe damage to the brake pads, making it necessary to change both the pads and rotors.

Is a Brake Fluid Flush Really Necessary?

A brake fluid flush is a necessary maintenance procedure as it can impact your vehicle's braking performance and safety. Brake fluid is usually hygroscopic, meaning that it absorbs moisture from the air. The absorption rate significantly increases in humid conditions.

Moisture enters the brake lines through small gaps in the hoses, joints, seams, and other parts of the braking system. When you apply the brakes, the brake pads and rotors produce heat, which eventually causes the brake fluid in the pipes and hoses to boil. The more moisture the fluid absorbs, the lower its boiling point. This can cause accelerated wear and tear on your brake components and reduce your car's stopping power. Additionally, air bubbles may form in the brake fluid, leading to a soft or spongy brake pedal.

If you want to keep your brakes in good shape, it's recommended that you go to a Ford service center for a brake fluid flush once every 30,000 miles or two years. Get this service more often if you regularly drive in humid conditions.

Do I Need Rotor Resurfacing or Replacement?

Warped, unevenly worn, or damaged brake rotors can cause vibrations during braking, contributing to an unpleasant driving experience. They can also increase your Ford's stopping distance and your risk of getting into an accident.

There are two ways to fix bad brake rotors: resurfacing and replacement. Not all bad rotors have to be replaced, but not every rotor can be saved. Ultimately, it depends on your budget and the type and extent of damage your rotors have sustained. Resurfacing your brake rotors can be two or three times cheaper than replacing them, giving you substantial savings. However, getting a new set of rotors may be a better option if you want greater peace of mind.

You may be able to salvage your brake rotors if they're still above the minimum thickness level, which is typically stamped on the rotor rim or hub. Resurfacing is also possible if the rotor surface doesn't have a strong blue hue, the grooves in the contact are shallow, and there isn't extensive corrosion on the edge. However, resurfacing your rotors may not always be effective or successful, especially if they're warped or rusty. Occasionally, resurfaced rotors can warp again after just 10,000 to 15,000 miles.

Get Top-Quality Brake Service in Tucson Metro, Arizona

If you're searching for reliable Ford brake service in the Tucson Metro Area, look no further than ORO Ford. Our fully equipped Ford-certified service center can provide any brake service your vehicle needs to achieve maximum stopping power, including brake fluid flushes, brake pad replacements, brake rotor repairs and replacements, and brake master cylinder repairs. All brake maintenance and repair procedures are performed with Ford original equipment manufacturer parts, which perfectly match your car model and deliver exceptional longevity. Contact us today to schedule a brake service appointment or to check out our inventory of brand-new Fords.

photo Credit by Koons Ford