Ford Brake Service in Dallas, TX Ford Service & Quick Lane | Planet Ford Dallas

Discover signs of brake wear and the importance of a brake inspection.

Your brakes are one of the most critical safety features of your vehicle. Planet Ford Dallas is here to help you make sure they're in optimum condition. Brake pads and drums are designed to slowly wear as you use them. That's why it's so important to visit your local certified Ford Dealership, where an expert technician can perform a thorough inspection and complete any needed maintenance or repairs.

Can you spot the signs?

Over time, your brakes slowly wear down because you're using them every time you get behind the wheel. The more you use the brakes, the faster they wear out. Some common signs that might signal your brake system might need servicing are listed in the video above but can also include the following:

• You hear any sort of grinding noise.
• The steering wheel begins to shudder.
• The brake pedal sticks.
• The brakes feel spongy.
• Your vehicle has a delayed response when you apply the brakes.
• Your vehicle pulls to one side or the other.
• Your anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning light comes on.

Even if you don't notice any signs, if you can't remember the last time you had your brakes looked at, you might want to consider making an appointment. Depending on how frequently you drive, what type of driving conditions you experience, and the vehicle that you drive, your service intervals can vary.

However, it's recommended that you have your brakes inspected every six months. A good way to remember this is every time you have your tires rotated, also schedule a brake inspection. In general, your brakes should be replaced every 20,000 to 30,000 miles, but your pads will need to be replaced before then.

Make an Appointment

If you feel like a factory-trained professional needs to look at your vehicle's brakes, we can take care of that at Planet Ford Dallas. Simply fill out our online appointment form and let us know your concerns. Fill out your vehicle year, make, and model, and select the type of service you're interested in. If you prefer, you can also call our service center directly during regular business hours, and we can get you scheduled.

We offer convenient service hour times that work best for you and your busy schedule. We're open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. and on Saturday from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Use the Professionals

During the brake inspection, our certified technicians will look at each brake pad, check it for wear, and examine its thickness. They will make sure the brake lines and wheel cylinders aren't leaking, inspect the calipers for wear, and check brake fluid level and conditions. They'll also check the rotors for any rough spots and make sure there is no damage such as warping or cracks.

If our technicians notice that your brake system needs attention, they will take care of it on the spot since we are a full-service maintenance and repair facility. They will use only original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, which is essential because it means that these parts were constructed for your specific Ford vehicle. You don't have to worry about the parts not fitting or working properly. Substandard parts you might get at another repair shop might be cheaper, but they don't offer the same type of quality or come with any type of guarantee.

We use Motorcraft brakes, which is the Ford Motor Company's recommended choice for brakes placed in Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles. That's because they're designed for these specific vehicles and meet the OEM standards. Having these types of brakes installed in your vehicle gives you the same level of safety and quality found when you first purchased the vehicle. For regular driving, it's best to use Motorcraft pads and shoes, while Super Duty ones are better if you do a lot of heavy braking.

Secure the Lifetime Brake Pad Guarantee*

At Planet Ford Dallas, we want you to rest easy after you have your vehicle serviced at our facility. That's one of the reasons why we offer a Lifetime Brake Pad Guarantee on all Motorcraft brake pads. All of our brake pads are designed and engineered specifically for your Ford vehicle, and this guarantee ensures that we will replace them for as long as you own the vehicle.

This guarantee applies to eligible Motorcraft brake pads bought after July 1, 2014. It's non-transferable and requires the completion of other specific brake services, such as a brake rotor service. To be eligible, all replacement Motorcraft brake pads must be installed by a Quick Lane technician or at a Ford dealership. Some other restrictions and exclusions may apply. For further information, see a Service Advisor. The Ford Motor Company holds the registered trademark of Motorcraft.

*Eligible Motorcraft brake pads purchased after July 1, 2014. Nontransferable. Requires completion of any other necessary brake service such as brake rotor service. Replacement Motorcraft brake pads must be installed by a Ford Dealership or Quick Lane® technician to be eligible. Labor costs not included. Restrictions and exclusions apply. See Service Advisor for details. Motorcraft® is a registered trademark of Ford Motor Company.

Maintain Your Brakes

In between visits to our service center, there are certain habits you should follow to ensure that your brakes stay in good working condition. The main one is to slow down, since making a complete stop while driving at high speeds causes premature brake pad wear. You can also:

• Avoid riding your brakes on sloped surfaces.
• Keep your vehicle as light as possible since the weight can add up, causing a heavier load for your brakes to stop.
• Check your brake fluid regularly, and top if necessary.
• Try not to slam on your brakes often.
• Not drive with two feet, as this can cause you to hit the brake and accelerator at the same time.
• Flush your brakes every two years, especially if you have an older vehicle.

If you have any questions about your brakes or would like one of our trained technicians to take a look at them, simply reach out to us and schedule an appointment. You can also click the Chat Text button on our service page to communicate with one of our team members. We can answer your questions and give you the peace of mind you need to get back on the road safely.

Why is Brake maintenance so important?

The brakes of your Ford vehicle are vital to maintaining control and avoiding accidents as you drive around Dallas, Texas. That's why it's essential to keep your brakes in good working order and stay ahead of their maintenance needs.

The braking system in your car isn't complex, but it is under constant pressure as you make planned and unplanned stops, slow down your vehicle, or put it into gear. You want reliable performance as you put your foot down on the brake pedal to make your next move. The rotors, brake pads, and calipers all work harmoniously, and when one of those parts wears down, it's time to see us at Planet Ford Dallas for Ford brake service.

We want to help you keep your Ford vehicle braking properly so you can stay safe and feel comfortable behind the wheel. Here's a look at the signs that you need a brake repair or replacement, and when you should come see us at our Ford service center to get them repaired:

How Long Do Brakes Last?

Generally, brake pads last about 30,000 to 35,000 miles in average driving conditions. That means you can expect to replace the pads about every three years, depending on how much you drive and how much time you spend in traffic. Ideally, you should replace the pads sooner to keep ahead of their wear and tear. This also prevents the risk of damage to the rotor from wearing the brake pads down to the metal. Some brake pads can last thousands of miles beyond 35,000 but should also be inspected regularly.

The rotors, or discs, are the thick plates that rest behind the wheels. This is where the caliper and brake pads clamp onto to slow down your car. The rotors typically last between 50,000 to 70,000 miles; if you sell your vehicle before reaching this point, you may never need to service the rotors. However, the rotors are still prone to warping or becoming uneven during their lifespan.

Brake calipers can last the longest out of all the moving brake parts. They can last between 75,000 to 100,000 miles or 10 years. The brake caliper is a moving clamp that presses the brake pads against the rotor. They respond to the pressure you put on the brake pedal, whether a soft press to reduce speed or a hard slam for a sudden stop.

Their operation is simple, and it takes a long time for them to seize or fail. Getting the calipers looked at during a regular tire rotation is still a good idea to ensure they're not about to fail.

How Do I Know My Brakes Need Service?

Brakes do a good job of alerting you when they need service. They squeal, vibrate, or make grinding noises as the parts wear down. Ceramic brake pads are designed for silent operation but have a metal strip that appears when worn down to a certain point. You'll hear a metallic squeal or similar noise to alert you that your pads are almost done, and it's time for brake repair or replacement at Planet Ford Dallas.

Another sign is vibration in the steering wheel. This can result from a rotor that's warped or worn unevenly, or the pads are worn unevenly. This is due to the rotor pushing back against the brake pad and caliper when pressing against an uneven surface. It's akin to putting a warped record on a record player and putting the needle down to listen. The needle rocks up and down on the warped record the same way the uneven rotor pushes the caliper and pad up and down.

A loss in stopping distance is another sign that your brakes are wearing down and need work. Brake parts hold their stopping distance for a long time, but if it seems to take longer to stop, your brakes need service.

Spongy brakes are a sign of air in the lines, a loss of brake fluid, or a damaged brake line. There are several causes of a spongy brake feeling, and you should get the brakes inspected at Planet Ford Dallas as soon as possible. Losing brake fluid can result in less brake control and difficulty stopping.

Why You Shouldn't Ignore Noise Coming From Your Brakes

Hearing your brakes making noise is a sign they need service. It's also a sign that a part is at the end of its life and needs replacing. Don't ignore the noise when you notice it, and make an appointment at our service center as soon as possible. You want your Ford to operate reliably and safely. Getting your brakes serviced quickly helps you avoid the problem and feel good about driving your Ford again.

You can prevent noise by bringing your Ford in for regular brake service. This means you don't have to deal with the irritation and annoyance of listening to your brakes make noise or feel a vibration in your steering wheel. It also eliminates the stress and worries about the safe operation of your Ford.

How Planet Ford Dallas Can Help You With Brake Repairs

Planet Ford Dallas's service center is staffed with factory-trained technicians with years of experience fixing Ford vehicles. Your Ford gets the best possible service when you bring your car to our service center and have our technicians do the work. They're familiar with Ford's best practices, keep up on the latest repair bulletins, and install original equipment manufacturer parts that keep your Ford running like new.

Call us or use our online service scheduler to make an appointment convenient for you. We also list our latest specials on our website for you to take advantage of and save money on regular service. At Planet Ford Dallas, we want you to feel safe behind the wheel of your Ford.