X

The Importance of Working Brakes in Inclement Weather

Make Sure you Can Stop on A Dime

Bring your car into your local AAMCO Colorado Today.
Your brakes need to be ready to tackle any rough weather thrown your way.

Good Brakes Can Be A Lifesaver in Winter Weather

Brakes are important year-round. But given the tricky driving conditions in winter, they’re even more important as temperatures drop. When the roads are wet, snowy, or icy, your car is going to have to work harder to come to a stop because the tires struggle to get traction. You want to be sure your brakes can handle the extra strain.

Winter is Harsh on Brakes

The moisture from rain, snow, and ice on the roads work as a lubricant, meaning you have to put more pressure on your brakes to come to a stop. This wears down your brake pads faster and can actually cause them to become damaged from overheating. Likewise, when your car is sliding and struggling to gain traction, it also makes your brakes’ job harder.

The moisture from rain, snow, and ice on the roads work as a lubricant, meaning you have to put more pressure on your brakes to come to a stop. This wears down your brake pads faster and can actually cause them to become damaged from overheating. Likewise, when your car is sliding and struggling to gain traction, it also makes your brakes’ job harder.

Give Your Brakes Extra Attention

This is true any time of the year, but especially so in the winter months. A little bit of car advice can go a long way when the weather gets bad and you’ll want to avoid more costly brake repair services. You should pay attention to how worn your brake pads and rotors are, as well as listening out for any strange sounds that indicate a problem with your brakes. It’s important to stay on top of any necessary brake repairs as they come up, otherwise you risk expensive car repair fees.

Don’t Ignore Squeaking Brakes

If you notice your brakes squeaking, squealing, or grinding when in use, it’s a sure sign they’re too worn and may have damage. It can also be a sign of rust on your rotors from extra salt and moisture. No matter what the cause, hearing this when you brake means you should get your car to a trusted mechanic as soon as possible.

Understand Your Car’s ABS

If your car’s anti-lock brake system (ABS) kicks in, it can make a grinding or buzzing sound. These sounds are totally normal, so you don’t have to worry if it happens. Only worry if you hear those sounds when your ABS is not in use.

Routine Inspections Prevent Big Car Repairs

There are several regular maintenance services you should keep up with to make sure your brakes are working their best. Given the hazards of winter weather, practicing seasonal car care habits will help ensure you’re ready for snow.

Change Brake Fluid

Having old brake fluid or any water contamination can cause big problems in the winter. Water in your brake fluid, which is more likely with nasty winter weather, can then freeze and make your brake system much less effective. Regardless, it’s a good idea to get your brake fluid changed and bleed the system once a year to ensure everything is running smoothly.

Inspect the Brake Fluid Cap & Gasket

If you find you have water in your brake fluid, it’s likely you’ll need a new brake fluid cap and gasket. When one or both wears out, it allows water to leak into your brake system. You can check your brake fluid cap and gasket on your own, or your mechanic will check them when you take your car in for seasonal car care service.

Check Brake Pads and Rotors

Typically, it’s a good idea to get your brake pads and rotors checked every six months. It’s simple for you to keep an eye on them yourself and be aware when they’re wearing down. Though going into winter, you want to be especially sure you have plenty of life left in both brake pads and rotors. As we talked about above, winter weather conditions are especially rough on your car’s brakes.

Utilize Preventative Safety Checks with AAMCO Colorado

Not sure how your brake system is doing? Don’t worry, it’s part of AAMCO Colorado’s free fall and winter safety checks. Drive into winter with the assurance that your brakes – and other essential parts of your car – are ready to tackle any rough weather thrown your way.

Recent Posts from our Blog

First 3 Things to Check if Your AC Stops Working

Having trouble staying cool this summer? When your car’s AC stops working, it can make any drive feel like a chore. Finding the problem behind your car’s AC trouble can feel tricky, but there are a few key areas where you can start looking. We’ll take a look at three...

read more

Top 5 Car Skills Your Teens Should Learn

It’s important to help your teenage kids become more comfortable around cars and understand basic car care. While much of car care is about knowing when to bring your car to an auto repair shop, there are also certain tasks that can be done at home, as well as ways to...

read more

First 3 Things to Check if Your AC Stops Working

Having trouble staying cool this summer? When your car’s AC stops working, it can make any drive feel like a chore. Finding the problem behind your car’s AC trouble can feel tricky, but there are a few key areas where you can start looking. We’ll take a look at three...

read more

Top 5 Car Skills Your Teens Should Learn

It’s important to help your teenage kids become more comfortable around cars and understand basic car care. While much of car care is about knowing when to bring your car to an auto repair shop, there are also certain tasks that can be done at home, as well as ways to...

read more

Find Your Local AAMCO Colorado

'
AAMCO Colorado: