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.
Radiator failure can be caused by low coolant, leaking hoses, a malfunctioning thermostat, a faulty pressure cap, or even an issue with the fan.
Some of the signs that may indicate a problem with your vehicle’s radiator can include the following:
- A significant rise or drop of the temperature gauge located on the instrument cluster.
- Smoke coming from under the hood.
- A pool of green liquid on the ground.
- Visual evidence of rust.
Need to replace the radiator or a specific component? Contact Ford Parts BCÂ today!
Responsible for stopping your car in its tracks, the brake pads are very important to maintain.
Depending on the vehicle and your driving habits, a general rule of thumb is have your brake system - including the pads - inspected every five months or 8,046 km (5,000 miles). You can have this done at your regular oil changes as well if you want to kill two birds with one stone.
However, if you hear squeaking, squealing, grinding, or any other strange noise, you need to have them looked at immediately. Another indicator that the brake pads are bad is if the warning light is on or if the steering wheel starts shaking.
During an assessment, the mechanic will measure the wear and tear on the current set of brake pads. Fluid levels will also be checked to ensure that every component in the network is properly lubricated. You will then be notified of how much life is left (if any) in the pads.
Please keep in mind that degraded pads can cause significant damage to other pieces in the system. That is why they need to be looked at more often.
Need to buy new brake pads for your vehicle? Contact Ford Parts BCÂ to place an order!
In any vehicle, the radiator is responsible for preventing the engine from overheating - allowing Ford vehicles to achieve maximum performance in all conditions. It is a crucial element of every adventure; and maintaining it, therefore, proves vital.
The first thing you should do is have your coolant flushed and replaced every 40,233 km (25,000 miles). This will remove any contaminants that may be hiding inside these pieces. Plus, it also prevents rust buildup and keeps the radiator operating at its peak.
Next, the hoses that transport the fluid through the cooling system need to be switched out every three years or 57,936 km (36,000 miles). Crafted out of rubber, they are subject to drying out over time which can cause them to eventually break.
Finally, it is recommended to have the coolant levels checked regularly. The easiest way to do this is to ask for this service when you go in for an oil change. If there is a noticeable drop in the levels, that could be an indicator of a leak somewhere.
Do you need to replace your radiator, hoses, or other cooling system components? Contact Ford Parts BCÂ to find OEM options.
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.
