Are your brakes ready for winter?

How does cold weather affect the brakes?

While the condition of your brakes is important all year round, worn out brakes can be especially dangerous during the winter season. Since your brakes are essential to your safety on the road, New Year's is the perfect time to check your brake pads. Is your car ready for the cold? 

How do brake pads work?

Have you ever wondered how your car can go from 70+ mph to a complete stop with the touch of your foot? This extraordinary process is made possible by your vehicle's braking system. The job of your brake pads is to provide the friction needed to slow and stop your vehicle. Most brake pads are made from buffer material and strong metals such as steel. When you step on the brake with your foot, your brake pads are pressed against the spinning rotor, which then slows and stops the wheels. Over time, this friction wears down your brake pads, which is why they need regular replacement to stay in good working order. When there is little to no material on your brake pads, your braking system does not have the buffer needed to smoothly and efficiently slow and stop spinning rotors.

How often do I need new brakes?

How often you change your brake pads depends a lot on your vehicle usage, your braking pattern, your tires, and the brand of brake pads you have. Your need for new brake pads can also be affected by the climate of the area where you live, the road conditions and the time of year. Typically, a brake pad starts with approximately 12 millimeters of friction material. You should replace them when 3 or 4 millimeters remain. For a more general estimate, the average brake pad change should occur every 50,000 miles. If you need help determining whether you should purchase new brake pads or complete a replacement, contact Chapel Hill Tire. 

Brake function in winter weather

Colder weather and difficult road conditions can be especially hard on your braking system. Because it's harder to slow down and stop on icy roads, the brakes have to work harder to be successful. In winter, this can cause your system to wear out faster. For the same reasons, it is especially important to keep your brakes in good condition during the cold season. Ignoring brake pad problems can damage the brake system or cause an accident where your vehicle has difficulty stopping. This is why regular brake checks and brake pad replacement are essential to keep your vehicle running properly and keeping you safe on the road. 

Visit Chapel Hill Tire

If you need new brakes to prepare for winter weather, call Chapel Hill Tire! With 8 offices in the Triangle area, our professional mechanics proudly serve Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and Carrborough. Book an appointment with Chapel Hill Tire today to get started!

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