Nov 24, 2016

Ensure Your Brakes Are Ready for Winter Charlotte, NCThe last thing you want to experience during winter is car trouble. Dealing with ice and snow on the roads is enough, but faulty brakes? That’s every driver’s worst nightmare. Ensure your brakes are ready to tackle the chilly season with our top tips.

Check the Brake Fluid

It’s always a good idea to check your car’s fluids and top them off before winter, and brake fluid is no exception. Brake fluid is an often neglected component of a vehicle, but it’s crucial for a car’s brake system operation. Not only can brake fluid run low but it can also deteriorate over time, resulting in brake failure. Making sure your brake fluid is adequate and at the appropriate level will keep things running smoothly all winter long.

Brake fluid that has a milky color to it has been exposed to moisture and should be replaced as soon as possible. Allowing contaminated brake fluid to remain in the brake system can destroy your car’s master cylinder, resulting in costly damages.

Replace the Brake Pads

A visual inspection of your car’s brake pads and rotors can help identify any wear. The only way to do this is by removing the tire, which is why a brake inspection is best left to the professionals. When necessary, you’ll need to have your brake pads changed.

Signs that you should have your brake pads replaced are fairly obvious. If you’ve been hearing a screeching metallic noise when hitting the brakes, you could be dealing with brake pad wear. In addition, brake dust can show up on the front wheels.

Avoid Using the Emergency Brake

While not technically part of the car’s brake system, the emergency or parking brake is a helpful tool for keeping your car from rolling back on a hill. The problem with using the parking brake in the winter is that it tends to freeze, making it difficult to disengage the brake. When this happens, do not attempt to drive the vehicle. A better option is to not use the emergency brake at all during the winter.

Call Us

When in doubt, schedule a brake inspection just to be on the safe side. Routine maintenance by a certified professional technician is your best bet for prepping your vehicle for winter. At Scott Clarks Nissan, we perform multipoint inspections to ensure your brakes and other car components are in optimal working order. We can identify early signs of wear and tear and advise you on how best to approach each issue in the most cost-effective manner.

One of the best ways to reduce your chances of emergency brake repair is to stick to your car’s recommended preventive maintenance schedule. In most cases, this means having your brake pads inspected every 12,000 miles and your brake fluid replaced every 20,000 miles or so. Check your owner’s manual for more specific recommendations related to your vehicle model. If in doubt, you can always ask us for our personal recommendations.

Proper brake care is essential for navigating the upcoming winter. Ensure your brakes are ready to go by paying a visit to Scott Clarks Nissan.

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