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Putting off repairs for too long can result in additional costs. For a typical brake job, you'll have to buy not only new brake pads, but new brake rotors as well to replace the ones that were ruined by procrastinating. Always consult your Ford Owner’s Manual for suggested maintenance.

The price for a new rotor can range from $50 to $250 or so, depending upon the vehicle application - and that's for each wheel. The old adage couldn't be truer: Pay a little now or a lot later. Even if normal wear dictates rotor replacement, the upside is that it could be the last time you'll ever replace them before you trade in the vehicle.

Allowing the situation to bloom into an expensive repair threatens the practicality of keeping your paid-for wheels on the road. If you made 36, 48 or even 60 monthly payments without flinching in order to buy the car, but don't like to pay for maintenance, try considering it as a short-term "car payment" that only has to be made occasionally.

Safety tips for brake service:
* Invest in a top-quality pad.
* If any rotors are marginal for continued service after refinishing (too thin or very close to the minimum thickness specification), have them replaced. Your Ford technician can compare the specification dimension and your rotors' actual thickness for you on request. If you own an older vehicle equipped with Original Equipment rotors, be prepared to replace them at this time.
* Have the brake calipers inspected to ensure that any moving parts (such as their slides and bleeder screws) haven't corroded and frozen up. Beyond basic brake pads and rotor replacement or resurfacing, ask for quotations on the following expanded parts and services for your older vehicle:
* If your brake hydraulic system has never been flushed, have it serviced to remove moisture and impurities from the reservoir, lines, calipers and/or wheel cylinders.
* Have rubber-type flex brake hoses replaced when they're hard, cracked or simply old.
* When rotors are being resurfaced for reuse, request inspection of the wheel bearings. On rear-wheel-drive cars or trucks, have the front wheel bearings inspected and repacked with new grease, along with replacing the seals; don't take the chance of being stranded over an inexpensive bearing or seal.
* For drum brake applications, ask to have a new brake hardware kit installed when the brake shoes are replaced and the drums are refinished. Your Ford technician can ensure that each assembly's wheel cylinder pistons, star wheel adjuster and bleeder screw aren't sticking or seized.
* Have your emergency brake assembly tested periodically. Have it repaired or adjusted if necessary.

This approach to vehicle maintenance may cost a little more up front, but if you make the investment now, you can be sure that old or new your car or truck will stop in the shortest distance possible and be able to steer around trouble.

Building a good relationship with your Ford Dealer Service Department can keep you one step ahead of major problems.