Watch Out For These Brake Problems During the Cold Season
Winter in Vermont brings cold weather, snow, and icy road conditions. While fully functioning brakes are important every season, the stakes are elevated when driving in winter weather.
That's why Girlington Garage thought now would be the perfect time to remind you to show your car's brakes some love before the winter weather closes in. Failure to do so can make a bad situation worse and exponentially more dangerous.Let's look closely at common brake problems you should watch out for this winter. And if you need brake services or auto repair, don't hesitate to reach out to Girlington Garage!
Rusted Rotors or Other Brake Components
When you go for a ride in the ice and snow, it's easy to forget you're riding in a vehicle that's mostly metal. That moisture—combined with road salt—can turn your rotors into a rusty, scored, rough mess.Soon, you'll hear a tell-tale squeal when you apply your brakes. The sound, while annoying, won't be your biggest problem. The reduced stopping power caused by the rust will be.If you plan to drive in the winter, you want to avoid letting that happen. So, head to Girlington Garage in South Burlington for an inspection and brake service at the first sign of trouble.
Overheating Braking System
It's tempting to believe heat is the last thing you'll need to worry about in the South Burlington winter. However, winter is the peak season for brake overheating.The reason is simple. In the winter, people tend to apply more braking force to stop, sometimes due to slippery conditions. Other times it's psychological—when you worry that you won't be able to stop, you'll stomp on the brake pedal to make sure you do.
The trouble here is that doing such things will wear down your brake pads and rotors faster. Excessive braking can cause your pads and rotors to overheat, leading to pad deterioration and rotor warping.Your best bet is to give yourself some extra stopping distance on the road this winter. Or bring your car to Girlington Garage so we can inspect your braking system and perform any necessary brake repairs before the winter weather sets in.
Weakened Brake Lines
Your car's braking system relies on brake fluid to produce the force necessary to stop.This fluid is quite amazing. It can withstand cold temperatures down to -40°F without freezing. Plus, it won't boil until well above 300°F. Fortunately, we (hopefully) won't ever see either of those extremes here in South Burlington, VT.
The thing is, the cold weather can weaken your car's brake lines, leading to leaks. Those leaks could cause a loss of brake fluid. Or they could lead to water getting into your brake lines.If such things happen, those amazing brake fluid properties we described will no longer apply. Your brake fluid could freeze, leading to damage to your braking system.Thus, scheduling periodic brake services is a good idea. This way, you can catch deteriorating brake lines before they fail.
Contact us for Car Brake Repair Service
Your brakes are the most critical safety feature of your vehicle. While your braking system is reliable, the winter weather Vermont can create a unique set of hazards. The best way to ensure you are safe and your vehicle is up to the task this winter is to schedule a full vehicle inspection at Girlington Garage.
You can bring your family dog and your kids. We're pet-friendly, and we have a children's area to keep them entertained while you wait. Moreover, we offer free Wi-Fi and organic coffee to keep you warm and awake.Don't wait until your brakes act up in the cold.
Contact us today, and we'll put a stop to your brake problems.
Fill out this online form, call us at 802-247-7917, or stop by our shop at 2 Harbor View Rd., South Burlington, VT 05403.
