Driving conditions in the winter are generally more dangerous than the rest of the year, so you need to ensure your car is ready. All of the systems in your car are important, but brakes are near the top, especially in terms of safety. With slippery roads and lowered visibility, you need to know that your car will come to a stop when you hit the brakes. If your brakes are in need of repair, now is the time to do something about it by coming to Erick’s Custom Exhaust & Auto Repair.
Do you need to repair your brakes before the winter weather sets in? Here are the most common signs of brake problems.
Squeaking, Squealing, or Grinding Noises
Your brakes work by squeezing the rotors between the brake pads, so they inevitably wear out over time. Ideally, you would catch worn brake pads and rotors before they start making noises, but that’s not always the case. If you hear high-pitched squeaking or squealing, that’s a sign your brake pads have worn down. Grinding noises mean that the brake pads have completely worn down, and the metal parts of the brakes are grinding against each other. If you hear these noises, you should replace your brake pads right away to avoid damaging the rotors.
Vibrating or Pulsing
If the brake pedal vibrates or pulses when you step on it, that usually means your rotors are warped. Warped rotors produce uneven pressure against the brake pads. This uneven pressure causes uneven braking force, making it difficult to bring your car to a stop.
Spongy Brake Pedal
The brake pedal should feel firm under your foot when you step on it. If it feels spongy, that’s a sign there is air in the brake line, or the brake fluid is low or contaminated. Either way, it will affect your brake effectiveness, so you should check it out.
Longer Stopping Distances
As your brake pads wear down, your stopping distance increases. A longer stopping distance reduces your ability to stop quickly, increasing the risk of an accident. Increased stopping distances are especially dangerous in the winter when the roads are already slippery.
Repair Your Brakes at Erick’s!
Don’t let worn brakes hold you back this winter! Come to Erick’s Custom Exhaust & Auto Repair to ensure your car is ready for the winter roads. Contact us today to schedule a service.
