Enjoy safe stopping power when driving your Ford Taurus by keeping up with brake maintenance and repair. Your brake system includes a number of components that are subject to wear and require periodic maintenance. Explore the basic components of your brake system today and learn how to tell if you need new brakes.
Brake Component Basics
The goal of your brake system is to stop your Taurus safely. It all starts with your brake pedal. Pressing down on your pedal activates the brake lines. These lines are filled with brake fluid and operate as a hydraulic system to move the brake calipers. Calipers hold brake pads and press them against the rotors.
Pads and rotors are where the stopping power occurs. Brake pads use a thick pad of friction material to press against the smooth, circular rotor. This slows your Ford Taurus down until it comes to a complete stop. The friction required to stop your vehicle causes extreme heat and will eventually wear down the friction material on the brake pads. Modern brake pads operate efficiently even when hot, but it’s important to let them cool before touching them.
Depending on the year and model of your Taurus, you may have rear drum brakes. Drum brakes operate on a similar principle but use different components. Instead of rotors and pads drum brakes use brake shoes, wheel cylinders, brake drums and backing plates.
Signs You Need New Brakes
While any component can be damaged, the most important parts of your brakes that need to be routinely inspected and replaced are the brake pads and brake fluid. Just like Ford Taurus oil filters, brake pads wear out with use and can cause additional damage if not replaced in time. Here are common signs that you need to maintain your braking system:
- Brake light illuminated
- Squealing sound while braking
- Inefficient braking power
- Leaking brake fluid
- Burning smell while driving
These signs point to an issue with your brake fluid, pads or calipers. Inspect your Taurus to see if you can identify the source of the braking issue. Use caution when inspecting your brakes as they can be extremely hot after use.
Inefficient braking power and leaking brake fluid are typically signs that you need to bleed your brakes, repair the line and replace the brake fluid. However, if your brakes are scraping or squealing while you have insufficient braking power, then you may need to replace your pads.
Brake pads wear out over time. Eventually, they wear so thin that the metal backing comes in contact with the rotor. Metal-on-metal contact is an inefficient way to stop your vehicle, causes the rotors to heat up quickly and causes loud squealing or scraping sounds.
Shop for Brake Components Today
Enjoy affordable brake repair service by contacting your local auto parts store for replacement parts. Explore how to tell if you need new brakes and find the right replacement parts to restore your own braking system. With the right tools, techniques and parts it’s easy to keep your Ford Taurus stopping efficiently and safely.
