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The Ford Explorer has always been known for its versatility and comfort, and with the 2023 edition you'll find even more of these same qualities alongside sophisticated technology. Its seven-seater cabin offers some of the most luxurious features found in any SUV today, while its driver-assist features take leisurely drives to the next level, both on and off-road. Performance The 2023 Explorer's engine choices offer something for everyone, and even the base option, a 2.3-liter four-cylinder, produces plenty of strength with 300 horsepower. The other two choices are a 318-horsepower 3.3-liter hybrid V6 and a responsive 400-horsepower twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6. more Towing heavy trailers behind this SUV is easy when fully equipped, thanks to the 5,600-pound available towing capacity offered by the 3.0-liter V6, and when it comes time to switch from highways to trails, the Intelligent 4WD system can automatically adjust the vehicle's traction to adapt to more challenging terrains. Design Along with three-zone climate control and heated, leather-trimmed seating, the 2023 Explorer's cabin offers plenty of luxurious comfort features and space for as many as seven passengers. The auto-dimming rearview mirror can help prevent distractions by dimming the reflection of headlamps from vehicles behind you, while the twin-panel moonroof is perfect for taking in views of the stars at night. Loading groceries or other cargo into the vehicle is made easier with the power-operated, flip-down rear seating, while plenty of distinctive wheel styles and exterior paint colors are available to give the vehicle a more personalized look, including 20-inch premium painted wheels and the unique Rapid Red and Stone Blue color options. Technology The Explorer's SYNC 3 infotainment system not only offers both a 10.1-inch touchscreen display and hands-free control over media files, phone calls, and apps but also pairs with an available 12-speaker B&O sound system that can take old songs and breathe new life into them with enhanced clarity and deep bass. If you or any of your passengers need to get on the Internet during road trips, the available 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot can accommodate and allows multiple devices to connect to it up to 50 feet away. Safety As for this edition's safety features, Pre-Collision Assist works together with Automatic Emergency Braking to warn you of possible collisions while also stopping the vehicle as a last resort to avoid them. BLIS, or the Blind Spot Information System, offers coverage for both the vehicle and a trailer, so you'll know if other vehicles are hiding in blind spots near either of them. Long road trips can lead to driving fatigue, which is why the Adaptive Cruise Control is there to take some of the load off by setting the vehicle on course at your preferred speed while also adjusting this as needed based on traffic conditions. The 2023 Explorer offers the best of all worlds, as it delivers surprisingly strong performance and versatility for such a spacious and comfortable SUV. To hop inside the cabin and take it for a test drive, contact us today at Brown's Ford of Johnstown.

Your engine depends on a constant flow of good quality oil to enable it to work effectively. Oil is one of the fluids in your car that need to be changed regularly, as time causes oil to gradually degrade. As your Ford dealer, we'd like to tell you some of the signs that you need to visit us for an oil change in Johnstown, NY. Noises From the Engine Your Ford engine is almost entirely silent as you drive, and this makes strange noises from the engine a cause for concern. Several problems can cause engine noises, but one of the most common is a lack of oil. The oil pump pumps oil through your engine, and as it circulates, it reaches every part of your engine. more Oil lubricates the hard-working engine components protects them from friction damage and cools them. As time passes, oil becomes thicker and more sluggish. It also turns darker as it absorbs dirt from the engine. Older oil is less effective in protecting components from friction and engine blockages, and you'll start hearing grinding and clunking noises as components mash against each other. We can replace the oil and the oil filter to fix this problem. Blue Exhaust Smoke Most drivers don't look at their exhaust smoke, but it should be whispy and almost invisible. If you start to see blue-hued smoke leaving the tailpipe, this is an oil-related problem. The smoke will also have the pungent smell of burning oil. The blue smoke is caused by oil leaking into your exhaust system, and this can lead to serious problems. The top and bottom sections of your engine are separated from each other by the head gasket. It prevents oil, coolant, and compression gases from mixing. If oil leaks into your exhaust it will usually happen due to a damaged head gasket. If the problem isn't fixed ASAP, your engine could be permanently damaged. We'll find the cause of the leak and repair it. If necessary, we can remove and replace the head gasket. Engine Temperature is High A higher-than-usual engine temperature can have several causes. For example, if you're driving uphill or towing a heavy weight, your engine works harder and the temperature will naturally increase. Your cooling system will speed up to reduce the temperature. A lack of oil will also cause the engine temperature to rise. As we've seen, the oil helps to cool the various engine components. If your oil level is low or dirty, this cooling ability disappears. Our technicians will check your oil and refill it. If you suspect a problem with your Ford's oil, call us immediately at Brown's Ford of Johnstown. Image courtesy of Pixabay.com

When you're driving around a powerful truck like the Ford F-150, you need a powerful meal to give you the energy needed to get the job done. We've got some recommendations for places in the Johnstown, NY area that will give you exactly that. Check out these local restaurants and you'll be treated to some of the best burgers that you've ever tasted. Railside Cafe Among all the tasty options available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Railside Cafe, the juicy burgers they serve up might just be the best of the bunch. They serve their cheeseburger on a grilled hard roll to give the sandwich's flavor the perfect base to shine through on, with sides like fresh-cut fries or onion rings to complete the meal with. You'll be in for a great meal when you check this place out at 454 North Perry Street. more Hot Dog Hut Cafe While it may be the hot dogs that made Hot Dog Hut Cafe locally famous, the burgers here are also worth sampling for yourself. The fresh-grilled flavor that they'll put on your plate here as well as the generous portions will give you a meal you'll love and that will fill your belly to the brim. Come get a great meal at this spot located at 4 East Main Street. Partner's Pub and Grill We loved the burgers we got at Partner's Pub and Grill almost as much as we loved the friendly service we enjoyed throughout our visit here. Do yourself a favor and order up their Mainstreet burger to get a sandwich loaded up with lettuce, tomato, and onion for a classic flavor that's hard to beat. You'll feel right at home when you visit this place at 21 South William Street. Romana's Italian Kitchen You might know Romana's Italian Kitchen best for the pasta and other Italian entrees served here, but that's not all you'll find waiting for you on the menu here. You'll also find great burgers like their Italian burger, which comes topped off with peppers, mushrooms, onions, and mozzarella cheese to give you everything you love about Italian cuisine in burger form. Rogers' Cideryard Among all the tasty eats available at Rogers' Cideryard, the Beast Burger might just be the most mouth watering. This burger starts with a local grass-fed beef patty cooked the way you like it, then adds your choice of mayo, spinach, fresh onions, and other tasty toppings to create a delicious sandwich made to your specifications. Try this place out for yourself when you stop by at 260 County Road 131. Ready to drive out to these local burger joints in Johnstown, NY? Our team can give you a great vehicle to get there in style. Find your next ride at Brown's Ford of Johnstown! Image courtesy of Pixabay.com

As time passes, even a Ford can develop engine problems. Most problems with an engine can be traced to delayed maintenance. The complex nature of an engine means it requires regular service to keep it in good shape. Your Ford dealer in Johnstown can fix any problem in your engine. These are some problems that could occur. Damaged Ignition Coils When you think of combustion, you can visualize the fuel and air mixing in the intake manifold and then entering the cylinder. You'll also imagine the piston compressing the fuel-air mix and the spark plug igniting the contents of the cylinder. This is all correct, but the spark plug needs assistance as its 12-volt output isn't enough to fire the cylinder's contents. more A spark plug has support in the form of the ignition coil. A coil connects to each plug and boosts the power of the spark plug from 12 volts to 30,000 volts. Coils are durable, but they will eventually wear out like spark plugs. If one of your coils fails, this will cause the cylinder to misfire, as there is insufficient power to ignite the cylinder's contents. We can test the coils and replace any worn or damaged ones. Check Engine Light One of the most important warning lights on your dash is the check engine light. Many lights provide warnings of specific problems, for example, the battery warning light highlights an issue in the electrical system. The engine light has a broader mandate, as it responds to any problem that can affect the engine's performance. If this warning light illuminates, it's important to contact us right away. Since the warning doesn't highlight a specific issue, the problem could be minor, or it might be a sign of a potentially major issue. Our Ford-trained technicians are experts at diagnosis, and they'll investigate our engine until they pinpoint the cause of the problem. Once the issue is identified, we'll repair it. Dead Battery A weak or dead battery is a headache for any driver. If the battery isn't working correctly, starting your engine may be difficult or even impossible without a fix. The battery gradually wears out as its chemical processes cause it to lose the ability to charge or supply power. On average, you'll need a replacement battery within five years or 50,000 miles of driving. We can test your battery at our Johnstown service department very quickly and give you the result. If your battery is on a downward slope, we can install a new one to fix the problem. If you experience any of the above or any other problem with your engine, call us right away at Brown's Ford of Johnstown. Image courtesy of Pixabay.com

Our city of Johnstown, NY is the county seat of Fulton County, NY. We're also known for great shopping opportunities due to the wide variety of stores in our city and the surrounding area. These are a sample of some of the best stores we have to offer. Pine Street Antique Gallery Located at 176 N Pine Street, Gloversville, a short 3.5 miles away, Pine Street is the place to go for antiques. Their 37,000 square feet of space encompasses two floors and an outside lot. They have over 1,000,000 items in stock, including porch columns, tubs, sinks, statues, and barn doors. In addition, their interior spaces are filled with trinkets, home decor, and other memorabilia. more The store is owner operated, and he selects each piece for its quality. Their prices are reasonable, and the service is friendly. When you visit, be sure to also check out the basement, as they have a great selection of vintage and antique furniture stored there. McLemon's Have you ever struggled to find the perfect outfit in the size, style, and quality you want? This store's owner did, and she opened this store specializing in retro women's fashion from top national and international designers. McLemon's also feature labels not commonly seen in department stores, like Voodoo Vixen, Sourpuss, and Lindy Bop. Sizes range from 0 to 28, and you're guaranteed to find something you must have. This family-run store also offers handbags, swimsuits, and other retro-themed accessories. In addition, they have a beautiful selection of vintage clothing from the 1930s to the 1990s. If you can't find a particular dress, skirt, or fashion accessory, visit them at 31-35 W Main Street, and you'll probably find it. Toying Around If you're looking for games, toys, or comic books, Toying Around is the perfect place. The store is filled with action figures, collectible models, video games, trading cards, and arcade consoles. They sell both new and vintage items at really good prices. For the avid comic collector, they have huge bins filled with Marvel, DC, and other well-known and not-so-well-known brands. Their staff are all seasoned gamers and comic book collectors, and they're happy to find or advise you on anything in the store. Toying Around also stocks both new and old vinyl records at bargain prices. They can be found at 17 W Main Street. There are many other stores to choose from, and your 2023 Ford Edge SEL is the perfect vehicle to get you to them. Call us today at Brown's Ford of Johnstown, and we'll get you behind the wheel of one today! Image courtesy of Pixabay.com

The majority of gearbox trouble is caused by issues with the transmission fluid. If you keep your fluid properly topped up and have it regularly inspected, you're unlikely to experience the following problems. But sometimes transmissions begin to fail for other reasons too. If you notice any of the following six signs of trouble, visit your local Ford dealer right away for transmission repair in Johnstown, NY. Your Engine's Revving While Shifting Gears When a transmission begins to overheat or loses lubrication due to aging fluid, you'll start to hear loud revving at unusual moments, such as when you're shifting gears. The engine will also rev unusually loudly when you step on the gas, often while failing to accelerate properly. more You're Struggling to Shift Gears With gearbox problems, you might find it difficult to shift gears. Strange grinding sounds will come from below and your gears might sometimes refuse to change at all. If you drive a manual shift vehicle, your stick might become momentarily stuck. These are all surefire signs of transmission trouble. Your Gears Change By Themselves The most dangerous indication of gearbox issues is when your car suddenly decides to change gears while you're on the road. It might even slip into neutral, causing all kinds of potential driving problems. Your Clutch Isn't Working Clutch failure is another scary sign of transmission trouble. If the two clutch plates can no longer engage or disengage properly due to insufficient fluid or some other problem, then you'll lose control of your gears entirely, and perhaps even your vehicle. You Spot Leaking Transmission Fluid When you pull away from parking, you might notice a pool of reddish liquid on the ground. This points to a transmission fluid leak. Without enough fluid, your gearbox will rapidly break down unless you promptly have the leak fixed by a technician. Your Check Engine Light Comes On Fortunately, all modern Fords have extremely effective computerized monitoring systems. When a gearbox problem starts to arise, these monitors almost always detect it and warn you long before it develops into something more serious and costly to fix. How Often to Change Fluid at Your Ford Dealer Keep your transmission healthy and avoid all these problems by visiting your local dealership periodically for fluid inspections. You'll usually need to have your transmission fluid replaced every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, depending on how strenuous your regular driving conditions are. Modern Ford models require specialist transmission fluid so it's safest to have a qualified technician refresh your fluid for you. Visit Brown's Ford of Johnstown today to have your transmission checked or repaired by experienced professionals. We're the Mohawk Valley's premier dealer for Ford vehicles and our courteous, knowledgeable staff are dedicated to providing exceptional customer service. Image courtesy of Pixabay.com

Visit the Chittenango Falls State Park to see waterfalls near Johnstown, NY. The small city of Johnstown, NY is located about 45 miles northwest of Albany and not far from some of the largest and most beautiful national forests and state parks in the region. Whether you are searching for a day trip from Johnstown or a place to spend a weekend camping under the stars and enjoying your favorite outdoor activities, here are three destinations you should explore while traveling around the area. 1. Chittenango Falls State Park Featuring a 167-foot waterfall, a large creek, and plenty of nature trails, Chittenango Falls State Park is a popular destination among visitors from all over the state of New York. Created in the 1920s and welcoming nearly 47,000 visitors each year, this place is located about 90 miles west of Johnstown and can be reached in one hour and 40 minutes via route I-90. more Although the beautiful cascades are the park's main feature, this destination offers a plethora of recreational activities for all types of visitors. Although the only campground that existed in the area closed its doors in the mid-2000s, this place is a fantastic destination to spend a day hiking, picnicking, and checking out the different species of birds and mammals that live here. 2. Moreau Lake State Park A sprawling and secluded nature reserve offering access to the Hudson River, Moreau Lake State Park is located less than 45 miles northeast of the Johnstown city center and can be reached in about one hour by car via route NY-29. Encompassing an area of over 6,200 acres, this place offers recreational opportunities year-round and is a popular spot for fishing, hiking, and paddling. Moreau Lake State Park was established in the late 1960s and has since been one of the go-to weekend destinations among locals. Managed by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, this place features modern amenities including a concession stand, a museum, a nature center, and a large family campground with fire pits and picnic spots. 3. Schodack Island State Park Covering a 1,000-acre island on the Hudson River, Schodack Island State Park is another beautiful recreation area that can be reached in a little over an hour by car via route I-90. Established in 2002 and welcoming over 125,000 acres, this place features a large family campground with 66 sites, picnic tables, and several miles of hiking and biking trails. With its efficient EcoBoost engine, all-wheel drive, and comfortable interior, the 2022 Ford Edge SEL is a fantastic SUV to explore the best nature reserves of New York and take your family on memorable adventures. Visit us today at Brown's Ford of Johnstown, search through our new and used Ford cars for sale, and apply for the best car loan plans in town! Image courtesy of Pixabay.com

The radiator in your Ford has the role of removing heat from your engine. As your engine works, it generates large amounts of heat. This heat must be removed to prevent damage to the engine. Over time the radiator can become worn or damaged, and you'll need a radiator repair. As your Ford dealer, we'd like you to know some of the signs that you need to visit us for a repair. Damaged Thermostat Coolant flows through your engine and absorbs the heat generated by the constantly moving parts. This heat is transferred to the radiator by the coolant, where it's cooled by air flowing through the grille. The coolant is released when the thermostat detects that your engine temperature has reached a set point. more If your thermostat is damaged, it could jam open or closed. An open thermostat will continue to release coolant regardless of the engine temperature. This will make your engine colder, which reduces its efficiency and increases fuel use. A closed thermostat won't release coolant, and your engine temperature will rise. We can easily replace the thermostat to fix this problem. Damaged Radiator Hoses The radiator is connected to the cooling system by two rubber hoses. One of the hoses brings hot coolant into the engine, and the other removes the now-cooled coolant. These hoses operate in a harsh environment where the temperature regularly reaches over 200 F. These hoses can wear out in time. As the rubber ages, it becomes less flexible and prone to cracking. Any cracks in the hose will steadily widen and deepen, and this can cause a leak. Leaking coolant will reduce cooling system efficiency and increase your engine's temperature. Our technicians will test the hoses and replace them if they're damaged. Broken Thermal Switch The hot coolant is cooled by airflow over the radiator tubes. As air blows in, it flows over the tubes and removes the heat inside them. The faster your car moves, the faster cooling will take place. If your car is idling, airflow is greatly reduced, and your engine could overheat as a result. To prevent this, your radiator has a fan attached at its rear. If the temperature rises, the thermal switch will switch on the radiator fan. The fan blows cool air across the back of the tubes and blows the heat out of your engine. A worn or damaged switch won't activate the fan, and your engine will start to overheat. We can replace the switch to fix this problem. Overheating can damage your engine. Call us today at Brown's Ford of Johnstown, and schedule a radiator repair in Johnstown so our Ford technicians can speedily fix the problem for you.

Put the family into the Ford Bronco and start it up, because it's taco night! These Mexican restaurants in the Johnstown, NY area will satisfy your cravings and are some of our favorite spots. La Palma Mexican Grill La Palms is at 22 N Market St. They're open from 11am every day, and they close at 9pm. They're not open on Sundays, though, so plan accordingly. Prices here are good, there's plenty of selection, and the staff are great. The food is really tasty here, too, and they also offer delivery! more We recommend you start out with their appetizer combo, which gives you a good sense of what's available. That's jalapeno poppers, mozzarella sticks with ranch and guac, two empanadas, and some quesadilla. Their mini chimichangas are pretty special, too, though. We also have to recommend the pina rellana specialty, which is half of a pineapple that's been stuffed with meat and vegetables and serve with rice and refried beans. El Cielo Food Truck If you're in a hurry and want something delicious on the road, stop by the El Cielo food truck, which parks at 33 N Main St in Gloversville. This is a family-owned business that serves the best Mexican food you're ever going to taste. Be sure to try the chicken empanadas and simply to-die-for birrira. Their beans and rice are great, too: don't taste like an afterthought at all. Taco 29 Up for a little drive or find yourself hungry on the drive home on the Thruway? Head to 36 Church St in Canajoharie and grab some takeout. Taco 29 opens at 11am and closes at 7pm Monday through Thursday. On Friday and Saturday, they stay open until 8pm. They're closed on Sundays. The food here is simply awesome, and whatever you order, you'll almost certainly wish you'd ordered more of it. You'll get quick, efficient service, with delicious food, and at a good price. They have lovely tacos, delicious chips, and stuffed, excellent burritos. Try their carne asada! Their guac and salsa are definitely worth a try, too, even if you would normally not go for chips. Most of their house favorite selections are available as tacos, burritos, or rice bowls. You need a reliable vehicle to get everyone to and from their favorite places to eat. Whether you've got a hard-working F-series truck or a sturdy, comfortable, safe family SUV like the Explorer, we can keep it running right with the best in service here at Brown's Ford of Johnstown. And if you don't yet have a vehicle that ticks all the boxes, visit Brown's Ford of Johnstown to take a look at our great new and used options. Image courtesy of Pixabay.com

Head down to your local car dealership to test drive a red 2023 Ford F-150 in Johnstown today! With available four-wheel drive and strong performance options, the 2023 Ford F-150 is up for a challenge and capable of taking you virtually anywhere, regardless of where the path leads. With smart technology integrated into its entertainment and safety features, as well as a spacious cabin that can accommodate as many as six passengers, it's clear why drivers love this pickup. Engine Performance The 2023 F-150's multiple engine options offer plenty of horsepower to suit every type of driver, including an incredible 5.2-liter V8 with 700 horsepower, which is offered exclusively for the off-road-ready Raptor model. For an eco-friendly option, there's also a 430-horsepower 3.5-liter engine that's a full hybrid, which offers the perfect balance of both power and fuel efficiency. more The smallest engine in the group, a 2.7-liter V6, is impressive in its own right with 325 horses, while another V6, a high-output 3.5-liter, delivers 450 horses. Those looking to tow heavy loads with this pickup will certainly be satisfied with its 14,000-pound maximum tow rating. Off-Road Capabilities The available four-wheel drive system pairs perfectly with the multimode terrain management feature, which allows you to quickly adjust the vehicle's traction and handling to match your surroundings. If you're an off-road enthusiast, then the Ford Raptor is going to blow your mind. With the latest FOX shocks on it, the most rugged terrain can be conquered smoothly with active damping. Combine this with 37-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tires, and you'll be ready for just about any scenario. Interior and Technology Heated leather seats that fully recline, ambient lighting, and a hands-free infotainment system known as SYNC are all available for the interior of the 2023 F-150, so every drive is a comfortable one. If you need to do work while parked, there's a fold-out work surface, and to connect to the internet, there's also a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot available. With the 12-inch instrument panel screen, 3D graphics and icons display all the information that you'll need directly in front of you while driving, including your speed, current gear, off-road information, audio settings, and more. Advanced Safety Systems Keeping you safe at every turn is Ford Co-Pilot 360, a suite of safety features that are offered with the F-150. Pre-Collision Assist warns when you're at risk of a collision, BLIS is a blind spot monitoring system that monitors around the vehicle, and Lane Keep Assist can nudge the truck back into its lane if you start to stray unintentionally. The Trailer Brake Controller (TBC) connects the brake pedal in the cabin to your trailer's brakes, so when you press the pedal to stop the vehicle, the trailer's wheels receive brake pressure as well for safer stops. With strong engine performance, impressive technology, and a luxurious six-seater cabin, the 2023 F-150 is a force to be reckoned with, on and off-road. To test drive the 2023 F-150 or to see it in person, contact us today at Brown's Ford of Johnstown.

Johnstown, NY is a charming little city once known as the Glove-Making Capital of the World. Nestled at the base of the Adirondack Mountains, Johnstown is surrounded by beautiful natural spots and has no shortage of terrific hiking trails. Let's take a look at five of the best of them. Willie Wildlife Marsh Trail This popular path provides an easily accessible hike into nature just to the north of town. The short hike in Johnstown will take you less than an hour unless you stop to relax, have a picnic, and soak in the stunning marshland scenery. more There are picturesque boardwalk sections over the water and also stretches of pathway running through woodlands. You're also likely to hear and see all kinds of wildlife as you walk. Kane Mountain North Trail Loop For hikers after a trek with a little more challenge and reward, take a short drive north to the base of Kane Mountain for this 2.1 mile trail. It's a fine drive to and from the mountain, so you can roll down the automatic windows of your 2022 Ford Edge SEL and enjoy the roadside scenery en route. The curves of the road as it rises up the slope will pose no problem for your Ford Edge SEL's superior power steering and handling. The path itself takes you high to elevation points with excellent views of the valley below. Wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers here enjoy sightings of all kinds of interesting species. You can also stay in the area for a nice bit of camping. Erie Canalway Trail For a leisurely walk by the water, head along to the 87-mile Erie Canalway Trail, which runs parallel to active and historic sections of a very scenic canal. Mostly flat, the path offers an easy, pleasant walk suitable for families with plenty of amenities and picnic spots along the way. You'll pass through pretty canalside villages and over a few rather picturesque bridges. It's a multi-use trail good for bikers and hikers but because of its length, it never becomes too crowded to spoilt the peaceful quiet of your stroll. Christman Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary Trails For a hike through the peaceful tranquility of some of the state's finest natural scenery, head south to this popular wildlife sanctuary, the Christman Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary Trail. The many trails that run through it will take you passed waterfalls, log cabins, and curious rock formations. If you're keen on snapping great pictures while you stroll, this is the perfect hike path. Trail Station Park For a brisk easy walk in a peaceful park without the need to drive far, head into the neighboring town of Gloversville to Trail Station Park. The pathway takes you around a delightful little park with a trickling stream, gazebos for resting, and plenty of clean picnic tables. It's perfect for a short hike with younger children. Once you've enjoyed one of these fun hiking trails in Johnstown, head down to Brown's Ford of Johnstown. We're a trusted local dealership offering the region's very best in customer service, whatever your vehicle servicing or purchasing needs may be.

Your car's brakes must be in good working condition to allow you to slow down and stop in a split second to avoid hazards that could lead to a collision. Below are ways to tell when your Ford F-150, Explorer, or Escape needs a brake repair from your Ford dealer to ensure you and your passengers are safe on the road. The Brake Warning Lights Are On Your Brake System light will warn you when there is a brake problem. If the Anti-Lock Braking System light is on, your ABS is not working. You can still brake, but you must ask your Ford technician to take a look as soon as possible. more The Brake Pads Are Worn and Thin Visually inspect your brake pads; if they look worn and thin and are less than a quarter-inch thick, it's time to replace them. Thin brake pads will affect your braking power and stopping distance. You Hear Strange Noises When you hear a high-pitched squealing or screeching sound when you brake, it's a warning from the wear indicators built into the bake pads that the pads are wearing thin. If you don't replace the pads, you start to hear awful grinding noises from the bare metal scraping against the steel rotors. Your Brakes Are Unresponsive Worn brake pads and low brake fluid will make your brake feel unresponsive. When you step on the brake pedal, it may feel spongy, and it will take longer for your car to slow down and come to a stop. You Notice a Brake Fluid Leak It could be a brake fluid leak if you see a transparent fluid with a yellowish-to-brown tint on the ground under your car. Leaking brake fluid will trigger your brake warning light and seriously affect your braking ability. You Smell a Burning Odor You will smell a burning odor when your brakes get too hot from prolonged and excessive braking. When the brakes are overheated, they will not work properly. Stop your car in a safe place, wait for the brakes to cool down, and schedule a brake service appointment at your dealership. You Feel Vibrations Through the Brake Pedal Rotors get warped due to overheating and wear. When the rotors are warped, they don't make even contact with the brake pads, causing vibrations you will feel through the brake pedal. Your Car Pulls to the Side Brake pads don't wear down at the same rate, and one side might wear faster than the other. Uneven brake pad wear will cause your car to pull to the left or right when you step on the brake pedal. Regular brake system services are crucial to keep your brakes in good working order. Check your Ford owner's manual for the recommended brake system intervals, and call Brown's Ford of Johnstown today to schedule a brake service in Johnstown and ensure your safety. Image courtesy of Pixabay.com