In most vehicles, there are over 40 components that make up the braking system to enable you to come to a complete halt. One aspect that you might not know about is the brake rotor.

These are circular discs that are connected to each wheel. Two are located in the front, and two more are positioned on the back. Designed to turn kinetic energy (motion) into thermal energy (heat), the brake rotors are a crucial part of the mechanism as a whole.

When you step on the brake pedal, the calipers push the brake pads together. This causes friction across the rotors’ surface which then directly resists the spin that the wheel wants to continue making. As a result, the speed of the vehicle is slowed down until there is no more movement.

There are four types of brake rotors including the following:

1. Blank and Smooth - These are equipped on most passenger models, and they have no design or indentations on the surface.
2. Drilled - This model comes with holes.
3. Slotted - Lines or long/thin slots have been carved into the metal.
4. Drilled and Slotted - Typically used for enhanced performance, this version has both slots and holes.

Contact Ford Parts BC today to find the right brake rotors for your vehicle!

To keep contaminants at bay, oil filters work hard to prevent the engine from getting dirty or clogged with particles.

The exterior of the oil filter is made of metal and shaped like a can. It is comprised of a sealing gasket, a base plate, and a central hole. The first piece keeps the filter flat against the engine’s mating surface. The second features perforations that secure the gasket in place. The third is threaded to allow the filter to assembly on the engine block.

Inside the cylinder is a synthetic fibre that serves as the actual filter. Oil is moved by the oil pump directly through this area via the holes located on the perimeter of the base plate. The dirty oil is separated, and clean oil is pushed back into the motor. If your oil is left dirty for too long, this could lead to damage to the bearing surfaces.

While most oil filters look similar, there are differences in the threads and gasket sizes. If you use one that doesn’t fit properly, it could fall off or cause a leak. To find the specific filter for your Ford vehicle, please see your owner’s manual.

Get in touch with Ford Parts BC today to find the correct components for your car, truck, or SUV.

Achieve a superior highway experience in BC. Recognize the importance of the cabin air filter and learn how it impacts every ride. 

Designed to trap potentially harmful debris and prevent it from entering the cabin, an air filter proves an important component of every adventure. It stops unwanted particles from getting through your A/C and heat vents; and, for people with respiratory issues or allergies, this is essential.

Sometimes this feature can be overlooked during regular maintenance checks (dismissed in favour of oil and transmission filters). However, it is recommended that it be swapped for a new one every year or 12,000 miles. Located behind the glove box, you can inspect the air filter yourself by reading the corresponding section in your owner’s manual.

How do you know if a new filter is needed? If you notice that the A/C unit isn’t blowing properly, it may be time for a switch. Other indicators may include a strange odour, reduced air quality, and usual noises or whistling. Watch for these signs with care to assure your cabin is properly maintained. 

Need to find a specific cabin air filter for your vehicle? Get in touch with Ford Parts BC for more information.

One of the most vital components of any vehicle is the braking system - especially the brake pads. Invented by Elmer Ambrose Sperry in 1898, these small parts can cause major problems if they are worn down. But what are they exactly, and how do they work?

Brake pads come into contact with the rotors, causing enough friction to slow down or completely stop a car. While they are part of an intricate network of elements that rely heavily on each other, they play their own role very well.

As you step on the brake pedal, a cylinder is activated. It sends fluid through a series of hoses that end up down in the calipers. This is when the brake pads are engaged. Applying pressure to the rotor - which is connected to each wheel - the production of friction decreases the speed of the vehicle.

To reverse this process, simply release the pedal. This lets go of the brake pads which then moves the fluid back up the hoses. The result is your wheels are free to move again.

There are many different types of brake pads - each dependent on a vehicle's particular make, model, and year. If you need to have yours replaced, contact Ford Parts BC today and find a perfect match.

With so many moving parts inside a vehicle, a lot of heat is generated every time you turn on the ignition. That’s why the radiator is so important.

As a crucial element of the engine’s cooling system, the radiator helps to eliminate excess heat from the motor. How it works is when coolant travels through the connecting hoses, it absorbs the warmth and transports it into the radiator. Next, thin metal fins release the trapped heat from the coolant to the outside air. It is then recirculated to continue the process.

There are three main components that make up a radiator. The first is the core which is the main section made up of a large metal block with rows known as the aforementioned fins. Next is the pressure cap. It seals the unit and prevents the hot coolant from overflowing or boiling out. Finally, the outlet and inlet tanks are the parts that direct the liquid to the machine after it has finished its cycle. In other words, they hold the coolant when it is extremely hot.

Do you think your vehicle needs a radiator check or replacement pieces? Get in touch with Ford Parts BC to learn more about available OEM options.

If you are at all familiar with pop culture, then you may have heard the phrase “It’s your alternator” in a film or two. But do you know exactly what is it and how it works?

The alternator is a generator that transforms mechanical energy into electrical energy (this is referred to as an alternating current). Using a rotating magnetic field and stationary armature, it is driven by the internal combustion engine of the vehicle.

Dating back to the 1830s, these centralized power stations are responsible for the regulation and stability of electrical systems (such as the windshield wipers, radio, headlights, and more) while the motor is running. They are also used to keep the battery charged.

Approximately the size of a coconut, you will find this small piece of machinery with a running belt attached to it located on the front section of the engine. There are three main parts including the voltage regulator, diode rectifier, and cooling fan. The first oversees the output of power, the second is a converter, and the third prevents the component from overheating.

Do you need to have your alternator checked or replaced? Contact Ford Parts BC today.