Brakes are pretty handy year-round. But during the winter months, when the roads are icy, your brakes need to perform well. This isn’t a time to be driving around on worn-out brakes. The problem is that things like gravel and salt on the roads shorten the lifespan of your brakes. So, even if your owner’s manual says to inspect every 10,000 miles, you may actually need to do this sooner. Learn more about brakes on your Ford Fusion, then stop by Folsom Lake Ford near Roseville for a brake inspection.

How do brakes on a Ford Fusion work?

All brake systems use a few main parts. These parts work together, so every time you press your brake pedal, you stop. But, these Ford parts are made out of resin, metal, and fibers. Each time you use your brakes, then a bit of this element falls off of your braking system. That’s why brakes don’t last forever. Every model has these brake components:

  • Master brake cylinder
  • Brake fluid reservoir
  • Brake lines
  • Rotors
  • Brake pads
  • Calipers

When you touch your brake pedal, then you activate the master brake cylinder. In return, it signals the calipers on each tire. The calipers move your brake pads against the rotors. As the pads press against the rotors, the rotor stops spinning. And your car stops moving. While this is going on, brake lines under your vehicle run the right amount of brake fluid so that all moving parts turn smoothly.

Is it time for new brakes?

Start by checking your owner’s manual for a suggested schedule. Most manufacturers recommend having an inspection of about every 10,000 miles. But, if you do a lot of city driving, then you might want to consider getting them inspected sooner. That’s because with stop and go city driving; you’re using your brakes much more. Give our team at Folsom Lake Ford a call for brake maintenance on your Ford Fusion near Roseville.