Few things escape the effects of winter weather, and your car brakes are no exception. Cold temperatures and wet roads affect how your brake pads, lines, and rotors perform, so it’s essential to understand those changes so you can continue to drive safely. Slushy roads and black ice aren’t the only things you have to watch out for when driving in the winter. You also need to understand how your brakes perform in cold weather and on wet roads.
Drive safely this winter by understanding how the weather affects your brakes. Here’s what to look out for, plus some tips to protect your brakes.
Common Effects of Winter Weather on Brakes
- Thickened Brake Fluid: Brake fluid contributes to a quick braking response. Cold weather can thicken brake fluid, slowing brake response and increasing braking distance.
- Harder Brake Pads: Cold temperatures make your brake pads harder, reducing friction and grip and increasing stopping distance.
- Moisture Buildup and Rust: Snow, slush, and humidity cause surface rust on rotors. Your brakes may squeal until the rust scrubs off.
- Road Salt Corrosion: Road salt helps melt ice, but also corrodes metal components.
- Frozen Components: Moisture between pads and rotors, or on calipers, can freeze, causing issues such as seized parking brakes.
- Extra Wear and Tear: Driving on slippery roads requires more frequent braking, which accelerates wear and tear.
Watch Out and Be Aware
When driving in the winter, you should be aware of the weather’s effects on how you use your brakes. Listen for squealing and grinding noises when you brake. As the rust and ice wear off, these noises should stop, and if they don’t, you may have a problem. Remember that reduced friction and brake fluid performance increase your stopping distance.
Tips to Protect Your Brakes
Staying safe requires a little proactivity to protect your brakes. Regularly inspect your brakes and have a professional ensure all components are functioning correctly. Take your car through a carwash that will clean the undercarriage to remove salt and grime that can cause corrosion. Finally, drive gently and avoid hard braking to reduce unnecessary stress on your brakes.