Why You Need a Spring Brake Inspection After Winter Driving
After a long winter of driving, your brakes have been through a lot more than you probably realize. Every slippery stop where you had to brake a little harder than usual, and all the cold-weather wear and tear your car endured, adds up. By the time spring rolls around, those stresses can leave your brakes not quite as ready for safe driving as you might hope. A spring brake inspection goes beyond another checkmark on your car maintenance list. It’s a chance to make sure your brakes are still doing their most important job: keeping you, your loved ones, and everyone else on the road safe. Follow along with our team at Bayview Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram as we cover why a spring brake inspection is so important in detail, along with some signs your brakes might need a spring check immediately, including squealing noise, vibrations when braking, longer stopping distances, as well as dashboard warning lights. Continue reading to learn more!
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Why Spring Brake Inspection is Crucial
Winter driving can be tougher on your brakes than most people realize. Snow, ice, as well as road salt, can cause corrosion on rotors and brake lines, which will slowly wear down critical components. Moreover, cold temperatures make metal parts contract, which can reduce friction between brake pads and rotors. Then there’s the constant stopping on slippery roads, which shortens your brake pads’ lifespan faster than normal. And even if your brakes felt fine all winter, these effects can quietly impact your stopping power or, worse, overall safety.
What a Spring Brake Inspection Includes
During a brake inspection at Bayview Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, a technician will take a close look at each component of your braking system to make sure everything is working in order, such as:
- Brake pads & shoes: Check for wear, uneven spots, or thinning that could affect stopping.
- Rotors & drums: Inspect for rust, warping, or grooves that might cause vibrations.
- Brake lines & hoses: Salt and moisture can damage brake lines, so they’re examined for leaks or corrosion.
- Brake fluid: Levels and condition are checked, since fluid can absorb moisture quietly, which reduces its effectiveness.
4 Signs Your Brakes Need a Spring Check
Below, our service team has listed a few signs or symptoms we often see in our service bay, which usually indicate a brake issue that could affect your car’s stopping power:
- Unusual Noises: If your brakes make unusual sounds when you press the pedal, it could be worn pads caught in the system.
- Vibration: Feeling a shake through the pedal or steering wheel when braking may mean warped rotors.
- Longer stopping distances: If your car isn’t stopping as quickly as it used to, your pads, rotors, or fluid could be part of the problem.
- Dashboard warning lights: Any brake warning light is a signal to get a professional inspection immediately.
Get Your Brakes Checked at Bayview Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Come on down to Bayview Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and let our experienced technicians get you set up for a spring brake inspection. We’ll assess your vehicle, take care of any issues it may be facing, and make you aware of early warning signs that could turn into bigger, more expensive problems later. Book your brake inspection and let us know how we can help today!