Winter is approaching, and icy roads and freezing temperatures can present many challenges for drivers. Among these challenges, ensuring you keep your breaks maintained by a certified mechanic Greenville NC, is paramount to avoiding accidents and maintaining vehicle control. Let our experts explore how winter weather affects your brakes and share essential tips to keep your braking system in shape for the colder months.
How Cold Weather Affects Brakes
The cold weather can damage your vehicle, so maintaining and ensuring your car is in tip-top shape during winter is essential for your and your family's safety. If you don’t let an auto mechanic Greenville NC help you maintain your vehicle, this is what can happen:
- Brake Fluid Can Thicken: Brake fluid can thicken in freezing temperatures, reducing responsiveness. This can make it difficult to stop your vehicle quickly in emergencies.
- Brake Pad Will Harden: Brake pads can become harder and less effective in cold weather. This reduces friction and a longer stopping distance, potentially increasing the risk of accidents.
- Corrosion is Possible: Winter conditions expose your vehicle to road salt and corrosive chemicals. These substances can accelerate brake rotor and caliper corrosion, compromising brake performance.
Tips to Ensure Safe Braking in Winter
Safety is essential, and just like driving in the rain, those driving in winter should be just as cautious. Are you wondering what you can do to ensure you and your family’s safety this winter? Here are seven tips to help you!
Annual Winter Brake Inspection
Before winter, please check your brakes with a qualified auto mechanic Greenville NC, before hitting the road. We will check for worn brake pads, fluid levels, and any signs of corrosion or damage and perform a brake service Greenville NC, if necessary. As well as ensuring your brake lights are working correctly.
Check Your Brake Fluid
Ensure your brake fluid is at the recommended level and in good condition. If it's due for a change, bring it to a mechanic Greenville NC, and let us replace it with brake fluid suitable for the cold weather.
Get Winter Tires
Invest in winter or snow tires with good tread depth. These tires offer better traction and grip on icy and snowy roads, helping your brakes work more effectively.
Learn About Your Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Understand how your vehicle's anti-lock braking system works. In slippery conditions, ABS prevents your brakes from locking up, allowing you to maintain steering control while braking. Trust the system to do its job and avoid pumping the brakes.
Incorporate Gentle Braking
In icy conditions, approach braking with a gentle touch. Gradually apply the brakes rather than slamming them to avoid skidding.
Increase Your Following Distance
Leave extra space between your vehicle and the one in front. This provides more reaction time and reduces the need for sudden and aggressive braking.
Warm-Up Your Breaks Before Driving
Allow your vehicle to warm up a bit before driving on freezing days. This can help improve the effectiveness of your brakes and prolong needing a professional brake service Greenville NC.
Reliable Mechanic Greenville NC, at Pugh’s Tire & Service Centers
Cold weather can significantly impact your vehicle's braking system, potentially leading to safety hazards. By following these tips and being proactive in maintaining your brakes, you can ensure safe braking in winter and drive confidently even in challenging weather conditions. Contact us today to learn more about Pugh’s Tire & Service Centers and how a certified mechanic Greenville NC, can help you!
