Here at Mike White Ford, we always emphasize the importance of good vehicle maintenance for enhancing the longevity of your vehicle. Still, the most critical aspect of vehicle maintenance is taking care of any issues impacting your or your family’s safety when on the road. Good brakes are components that are essential for safe driving.

Your vehicle’s braking system is something you likely take for granted most of the time, but modern vehicle brakes are sophisticated mechanisms. Understanding brake maintenance and keeping up on repairs is essential for every vehicle owner. 

How Brakes Work

While the principle of braking is simple, the engineering behind your vehicle’s braking system is quite intricate. When you press the brake pedal, it sets in motion a series of actions. The pedal activates a lever, pushing a piston within the master brake cylinder filled with brake fluid. The fluid is then forced through brake lines connected to cylinders on all four wheels. This causes the brake pads to engage, thus generating the friction needed to stop your vehicle. The hydraulic system multiplies the force you apply to the brake pedal, transforming it into the power required to halt a moving car. 

Brake Pads

The pressing of the brakes on the rotors creates friction, generating a significant amount of heat. Consequently, it is necessary to use special heat-resistant materials for brake pads. There are several different types of brake pads. Still, the most common are usually made with copper, iron, graphite, steel, and resin. However, some brake pads are made with other materials, such as glass, ceramic, rubber, and kevlar. With repeated use, these pads naturally wear away. The life of brake pads varies, but pads generally last between 30,000 and 70,000 miles. For obvious reasons, if you primarily drive in town (where braking is frequent) versus driving highway miles (where braking is infrequent), your brake pads will wear away more quickly. 

Brake pad replacement is the most common brake maintenance task. Regardless of your driving style, replacing the pads when they reach a specific wear level is crucial. A new brake pad may be about 10 – 12 mm thick, and you should replace them when they wear down to around 3 mm. With routine maintenance, such as when you get an oil change (including The Works oil change at Mike White Ford), your mechanic should inspect the brakes.

The most typical indication that your brake pads have worn thin is when you hear squealing, screeching, or grinding noises when braking. Other indicators that you need to have your brakes looked at and repaired are if your vehicle vibrates when you brake, is taking longer to stop, and, of course, when your vehicle’s warning light indicates a problem.

Rotors

Rotors are the metal discs visible behind the wheel hubs. For disc brakes, it is the rotors that the brake pads come in contact with when you depress the brake pedal. Rotors can be damaged or warped due to the heat produced during braking. Regular inspection for cracks, scratches, or irregularities is essential. In some cases, rotors can be machined or resurfaced instead of outright replacement if issues are caught early.

Brake Fluid and Lines

Brake fluid resides in a sealed system and converts pedal pressure into stopping power. Regular inspection of brake lines and fluid is essential, as moisture and air can work their way in and cause leaks. Regular brake fluid flushes should be performed as recommended by your manufacturer, warranty requirements, and your mechanic’s advice. 

Cold Weather Brake Concerns

When you live in a cold climate like northern Idaho, there are some particular concerns you should be aware of when it comes to the condition of your brakes. While road salt plays a vital role in icy road safety, it can be detrimental to your braking system. Salt build-up on brakes can lead to uneven wear, potentially shortening their lifespan. Additionally, snow and ice can introduce moisture to your brakes or brake fluid, affecting optimal system performance and potentially lengthening stopping distances. In addition to driving more slowly and braking earlier to allow a greater stopping distance, it is a good idea to have your brakes inspected before winter to ensure they are ready to handle the winter and after winter to ensure they are still in good condition. 

Call Mike White Ford for Brake Service

All vehicle maintenance is essential, but brake issues demand immediate attention when you receive any indications that your brakes are not in top condition, whether it is unusual noises or a report from a maintenance technician. Ignoring signs of brake issues puts you and your family at risk. If you’re concerned about your brakes or notice warning signs, don’t hesitate to contact Mike White Ford at either our Coeur d’Alene or Sandpoint locations to schedule a brake inspection. Our service technicians are ready to provide expert care for your vehicle, ensuring a smooth and safe driving experience in all conditions.

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