How do I know if my Explorer has heavy duty brakes?
When it comes to maintaining your Ford Explorer, understanding whether your vehicle is equipped with heavy-duty brakes is crucial for ensuring proper maintenance and replacement parts. Heavy-duty brakes are designed to handle more stress and are often found on vehicles used for towing, off-roading, or carrying heavy loads. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to determine if your Explorer has heavy-duty brakes.
What Are Heavy-Duty Brakes?
Heavy-duty brakes are a specialized braking system designed to provide enhanced stopping power and durability. These brakes are typically larger, made from more robust materials, and can dissipate heat more effectively than standard brakes. They are commonly found on vehicles that are subjected to demanding conditions, such as towing trailers or driving in mountainous terrain.
Steps to Determine If Your Explorer Has Heavy-Duty Brakes
Follow these steps to identify whether your Ford Explorer is equipped with heavy-duty brakes:
- Check the Vehicle’s Specifications: Refer to your Explorer’s owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s website. Look for details about the brake system, which may specify if heavy-duty brakes are included.
- Inspect the Brake Components: Heavy-duty brakes often have larger rotors and calipers compared to standard brakes. If you’re comfortable, you can visually inspect the brake system or consult a professional mechanic for assistance.
- Look for a Towing Package: If your Explorer is equipped with a factory-installed towing package, it’s likely to have heavy-duty brakes. The towing package often includes upgraded brakes to handle the additional weight.
- Check the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number): Use your VIN to decode your vehicle’s specifications. Many online tools or dealership services can provide detailed information about your Explorer’s features, including the brake system.
- Consult a Professional Mechanic: If you’re unsure, a trusted mechanic can inspect your vehicle and confirm whether it has heavy-duty brakes. At Kevin’s Autos, we specialize in brake inspections and can provide you with a definitive answer.
Why It Matters
Knowing whether your Explorer has heavy-duty brakes is essential for several reasons:
- Proper Maintenance: Heavy-duty brakes require specific maintenance procedures and replacement parts to ensure optimal performance.
- Safety: Using the wrong brake components can compromise your vehicle’s safety, especially under heavy loads or challenging driving conditions.
- Cost Efficiency: Identifying the correct brake type helps avoid unnecessary expenses on incompatible parts or repairs.
Conclusion
Determining whether your Ford Explorer has heavy-duty brakes is a straightforward process that can save you time, money, and potential safety risks. By checking your vehicle’s specifications, inspecting the brake components, or consulting a professional, you can ensure your Explorer is equipped with the right braking system for its intended use. If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to visit Kevin’s Autos for expert advice and service. We’re here to keep you safe on the road!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I tell what type of brakes I have?
How to tell whether your brakes are drum or disc. To double-check, look through one of the holes in the top of your front wheel. If you see a shiny smooth metal surface, that is your disc rotor. However, if you see a rusty and not smooth round surface, that's your brake drum.
Will the VIN number tell me the brake rotor size?
A vehicles rotor size is not identified in the vehicle VIN. I recommend you contact an auto parts store, provide them the year, make, and model of the vehicle and they will be able to provide you the rotor size.
What is considered heavy braking?
WHAT IS HARSH BRAKING? Harsh or hard braking occurs when a driver uses more force than necessary to stop a vehicle. This action can indicate distracted or aggressive driving which leads to increased tire wear, a variety of maintenance issues, and sometimes, costly insurance claims.
Where is rotor size stamped?
Sizes Stamped on Rotor
If the rotor has not been worn down too much, you will be able to see the size stamped right on the rotor itself. It will be in millimeters and usually on the wheel side of the rotor.
What are the different grades of brakes?
Basically, there are four different grades of brake pads on the world markets – 1) semi-metallics, 2) organics, 3) ceramics, and the newest of all types – 4) NAO Ceramic enhanced formulations. The lowest cost materials to blend where steel fibers constitute half or more of the brake pad volume.
How do I know if I have mechanical or hydraulic disc brakes?
Hydraulic disc brakes don't have a cable they operate by compressing fluid. If you squeeze the hydraulic brake lever you will only be able to see the pads. Moving not the caliper.
What size rotors are on a Ford Explorer?
The front rotors are sized 325mm (standard) and 352mm (heavy duty & police). For the rear rotors, the 325mm (standard) and 352 (heavy duty) are the most common, but some years and models use 330mm or 345mm. The Sport and Limited and Tow, Package equipped (e.g. a Base with FACTORY tow) use the 352mm front and 352 rear.
How do I tell if my 2013 Ford Explorer has heavy-duty brakes?
Visual Inspection: Physically inspect the brake components if possible. Heavy-duty brakes may have thicker brake pads, larger calipers, and heavier-duty brake lines compared to standard brakes. If you're unsure, consult a qualified mechanic or contact your vehicle manufacturer for assistance.
How do I know if I have heavy-duty brakes?
Maybe the easiest way to tell without pulling up your build sheet is to look at the rear rotors. HD brakes are vented both front and back while non-HD brakes will have a solid rear rotor. HD brakes are also larger in the front (350 mm vs 330 mm) but that's harder to see without having both next to each other.
Which type of brakes do most heavy duty vehicles have?
Most heavy-duty vehicles use dual air brake systems for safety. A dual air brake system has 2 separate air brake systems, which use a single set of brake controls. Each system has its own air tanks, hoses, lines, etc. One system typically operates the regular brakes on the rear axle or axles.
