Good brakes are crucial to keeping a vehicle under control when driving—especially on snow- or ice-covered roads. In recognition of October as Car Care Month, Carolina Tire & Auto encourages motorists to have our certified technicians inspect your brakes to ensure they are ready for any slick roads in Charlotte during Winter.
"Brake components that are badly worn, or a brake system in need of hydraulic fluid, may not provide the level of control needed for safe winter driving," said Jim Seidel, president, Carolina Tire & Auto. "Slick roads can magnify brake system problems, so it's important to have brakes inspected annually by a qualified technician. There's no better time to do that than before winter weather arrives."
Warning Signs
Often the first sign of worn brakes is a brake pedal that seems to require more pressure to stop the vehicle. Scraping, squeaking or chirping noises that come from the wheels when the brakes are applied are other signs of potentially excessive brake wear. A car that pulls to the left or right when the brakes are applied also could mean trouble.
Motorists should not wait until the brake warning light in their vehicle illuminates to have their brakes inspected.
Brake for Careful Inspection, Maintenance
Because brakes cannot be thoroughly inspected without removing the wheels, Charlotte, NC motorists should specifically ask for an annual brake inspection when taking their vehicle into Carolina Tire & Auto for service. The braking components that our certified technician should inspect include:
Master Cylinder – The brake fluid reservoir should be checked periodically to ensure proper fluid levels.
Brake Lines – Steel brake tubing running from the master cylinder to all four wheels should be inspected for leaks caused by damage or rust.
Brake Hoses – Rubber brake hoses running from the brake lines to the brake calipers and wheel cylinders should be inspected for wearing or cracking.
Lining and Pads – Brake components that create friction and dissipate heat should be checked for uneven or excessive wear. Glazing or contamination from leaking brake fluid or grease seals are other potential problems.
Parking Brake –The parking brake operation should be checked and adjusted if necessary.
Having the brake fluid flushed is an important maintenance item that many Charlotte drivers overlook. Brake fluid absorbs water that collects at low points in the hydraulic system where it can cause rust, fluid leaks and, if not prevented, brake failure. On vehicles with antilock brakes, moisture in the brake fluid also can damage expensive electro-hydraulic control units. For this reason, most manufacturers recommend that the brake system be flushed and new fluid installed every two to three years. Check the owner's manual in your car for the recommended service interval.
Save Your Brakes, and Money, with Good Driving Habits
The same friction that brakes use to stop a vehicle causes brake components to wear out and need replacement. However, good driving habits can make brakes last longer and reduce repair expenses.
When stopping, slow the vehicle gradually instead of suddenly. It's also a good idea not to "ride" the brakes on steep hills. Downshifting can help slow the car and limit the amount of braking that is needed.
Brush up on Winter Braking Techniques
Before winter weather gets here, it's important for drivers to brush on the proper braking and steering techniques that can be critical to their safety when driving on ice on snow.
As Charlotte's # 1 ranked auto repair and service center, trust Carolina Tire & Auto to give you the best in car care in all of Charlotte, even surpassing all new car dealerships.
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