Winter driving is marked by slippery and icy roads, so careful driving is paramount. While you always want to be a safe driver, road conditions in the winter make vigilance even more important. Staying safe on the road isn’t just limited to how you drive. Taking care of your car is also a major factor. In this article, we’re going to focus on keeping your brakes in good repair. Having working brakes is essential at any time of year, but you want to be extra diligent when the roads are slick.
Here’s what you can do to ensure your brakes are in good repair while you navigate icy roads this winter.
Inspect Brake Pads and Rotors
The parts of your brakes that are most likely to wear out are the brake pads and rotors. Your car comes to a stop by squeezing the brake pads against the rotors to slow the speed of the wheels. Over time, they wear down, and you need to replace them. How many miles you can get out of your brake pads varies depending on the type of brake pad and your driving habits. If they are less than a ¼ inch tick, it’s time to replace them. Rotors typically last longer than brake pads, but you want to check for scoring or warping.
Flush the Brake Fluid
When you depress the brake pedal, the brake fluid takes that force and turns it into pressure, which is applied to the brakes. If you are low on brake fluid or there is water in the brake lines, that will reduce your braking efficiency. Brake fluid absorbs water over time, so you need to flush the brake lines and replace the fluid periodically.
Check the Anti-Lock Braking System
All modern cars are equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS). ABS has been a standard feature since 2004 when it became mandatory for all new vehicles in Europe. The United States made ABS mandatory in 2012, so any car made in the last ten years will have ABS. ABS keeps your brakes from locking if you have to hit them on a slippery surface. It helps you maintain control of your car when braking on icy and snowy roads.
Brakes Repair | Erick’s Custom Exhaust & Auto Repair
At Erick’s Custom Exhaust & Auto Repair, our team is ready to take care of your car inside and out. From keeping your brakes in good repair to interior and exterior detailing to custom exhaust installations, we do it all.
