Winter Roads Ahead: Why Your Brakes Need Extra Attention This Season
Vermont winters bring their fair share of challenges—icy roads, sudden snowfall, and cold mornings that make you wish you didn’t have to leave the house. And while you might be bundling up with layers and winter boots, your car needs its own kind of preparation, too—starting with your brakes.
At Girlington Garage, we don’t just fix cars—we care about keeping you safe. That’s why we’re breaking down exactly why your brakes need extra attention this season and what you can do to make sure they’re ready to handle whatever winter throws your way.
Why Winter Can Be Hard on Your Brakes
Your brakes work harder in the winter—sometimes without you even realizing it. Here’s why:
1. Cold Weather Affects Braking Power
Ever notice how everything seems to move slower when it's cold? Brake fluid is no exception. When temperatures drop, brake fluid can thicken slightly, making it harder for your braking system to respond as quickly as it should.
2. Slippery Roads = More Frequent Braking
Icy or snowy roads mean you’re likely tapping the brakes more often than usual—sometimes harder than necessary—to keep control. That extra stress leads to faster wear on your brake pads and rotors.
3. Your ABS Works Overtime
Your Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) is designed to help you stop safely on slippery surfaces. But if your brakes aren’t in top shape, your ABS has to compensate—putting added strain on the system.
How to Tell If Your Brakes Need Attention
Your car usually warns you when something isn’t right. Watch for these telltale signs that your brakes might need some winter TLC:
A soft or spongy brake pedal: Feels like you have to press harder to stop? You could have moisture in your brake fluid or air in the lines.
Squeaking or grinding noises: That’s your brake pads crying for help. Worn pads don’t just make noise—they can also damage your rotors.
Longer stopping distances: If you’ve had to start pressing the brake pedal down earlier and earlier when coming to a stop, your brakes aren’t gripping the way they should.
Vibrations when braking: A shaking steering wheel or pulsating brake pedal usually means warped rotors.
Dashboard brake warning light: It’s called a warning light for a reason—don’t ignore it! It is telling you that there is a problem somewhere in your braking system, and it needs to be addressed as soon as possible!
If you’re noticing any of these signs, it’s time to set up a time to bring your car in to get your brakes checked out before things get worse.
Winter-Ready Brakes: What You Need to Know
Want to keep your brakes (and yourself) in good shape this season? Here’s how:
1. Get a Winter Brake Inspection
A quick brake inspection at Girlington Garage can catch small issues before they turn into big (and expensive) problems. Our technicians will check your pads, rotors, brake fluid, and ABS to make sure everything’s in working order. And if we find out that everything is in good shape and safe, then you’ll be able to drive through the rest of the season with peace of mind!
2. Replace Worn Brake Pads
Brake pads don’t last forever— and in winter they’re working overtime. If yours appear thin or are making noise, replacing them now can save you from dangerous (and costly) brake failure later.
3. Check Your Brake Fluid
Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, which can lead to reduced stopping power in cold weather. If you’ve got too much water in your fluid, a brake fluid flush can make a huge difference in braking efficiency.
4. Inspect Your ABS System
Your Anti-Lock Braking System is essential for winter driving. If you’ve ever felt that pulsing sensation under your foot when stopping on ice, that’s your ABS kicking in. But if your ABS light is on, it’s time to have it checked—before you actually need it!
Why Trust Girlington Garage for Your Brake Service?
We get it—choosing a mechanic isn’t easy. But at Girlington Garage, we’ve built our reputation on honesty, respect, and transparency. Here’s why our customers keep coming back:
Straightforward, No-Nonsense Service: No upsells, no pressure—just expert advice and top-notch repairs.
Certified Technicians: Our team includes highly trained ASE certified techs and a senior master Ford factory-trained technician, so your car is in the best hands.
3-Year/36,000-Mile Warranty: We stand behind our work, so you can drive with confidence.
Comfortable, Welcoming Environment: We specialize in making auto repair a stress-free experience for everyone.
If you’re looking for the best brake shop in South Burlington, you just found it!
Trust Your Brakes—And Your Mechanic!
Winter in Vermont can be extreme, and your brakes can take a real beating. If they’re squeaking, feeling sluggish, or just haven’t been checked in a while, now’s the time. At Girlington Garage, we put your safety first, offering honest, high-quality brake service that gives you peace of mind—without the pressure.
Call Us: (802) 247-7917
Don’t second-guess your stopping power. Get brake service you can trust—done right, done with respect.