Every car needs a little TLC occasionally to deliver the best possible performance. A brake fluid flush is a simple maintenance task that becomes necessary when your brake fluid is low or contaminated. It can be carried out at your local Ford dealership either on its own or as part of a more general maintenance check.
1: Pulling to One Side
If your car starts pulling to one side while braking, your first instinct may be to suspect a problem with the steering. However, if the brake fluid is low or contaminated, it can create a difference in pressure distribution. This can lead to uneven braking and cause your car to start pulling to either the left or the right.
2: Grinding or Scraping Noises
Loud noises when you brake are never a good sign, but it may simply be that your brake fluid is low. Although a lack of fluid won’t cause any noises directly, it can cause the pressure to drop, making it difficult for the braking mechanisms to clamp tightly. This uneven contact can create a scraping or grinding noise as you brake.
3: Spongy Pressure
As brake fluid levels drop, it’s easier for air to enter the system. If the pressure feels spongy or softer when you press the brake pedal, this suggests that your brake fluid needs flushing.
4: Poor Braking Performance
Your brakes should respond instantly, slowing the car down as soon as you press the brake pedal. If you notice your car takes longer to slow down, or you have to pump the brake pedal, it’s a sign that brake fluid is not being distributed evenly through the braking system.
5: Dashboard Warning Lights
There isn’t a specific warning light for brake fluid on your dash, but there is one for ABS faults. If this lights up, it could indicate a problem with your brake fluid rather than with the rest of the braking system.
6: Vibrating Brakes
Braking should always feel smooth and even, but if the brake fluid is low or contaminated this might not be the case. Tiny particles or air cushions can prevent force from being transmitted cleanly, causing components such as caliper pistons or master cylinder seals to grab intermittently, resulting in a vibrating sensation.
Visit Your Local Ford Dealership
Brakes are a critical part of your car, so it’s important not to take any risks. If you notice any of the above signs or if anything else doesn’t look quite right, it’s always better to get your car checked out. Flushing the brake fluid is an easy maintenance task for Ford technicians to carry out and will ensure your brakes work properly.
Our Ford-trained technicians are highly skilled professionals who have the expertise to deal with all routine and emergency repairs. Schedule an appointment with us here at Auffenberg Ford North in O’Fallon, IL, and we’d be happy to help.
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