How to Prepare your Brakes for Springtime

Spring is finally here! There is no better time to talk about preparing your car for any unexpected challenges. Don't let Spring showers put a damper on your brakes. Here are some tips for staying safe on wet roads:

How Wet Roads Affect Brakes and Tires

When you hit the brakes, they slow down your car by creating friction between the brake pads and rotor. But when it's wet outside, water gets in between them, which reduces friction and causes brake fade. This can make your brakes less effective and cause you to have longer stopping distances, which can be dangerous.

Another thing to watch out for is hydroplaning. This happens when a layer of water builds up between your tires and the road surface, causing your tires to lose contact with the road. This can make it tough to control your car, especially at high speeds. And even if you're going slow, worn tires or incorrect tire inflation can cause hydroplaning, so be sure to keep an eye on your tire tread depth and pressure.

Tips for Staying Safe on Wet Roads and Avoiding Costly Repairs

So, what can you do to stay safe on wet roads?

Check tire pressure and tread depth regularly to avoid premature tire wear and costly tire replacements. Worn tires have less tread depth, which can lead to a loss of traction on wet surface.In this condition, you’ll also have trouble on dry roads. To prevent hydroplaning, ensure that your tires have sufficient tread depth by checking them regularly using a tread depth gauge.

Make sure to have your suspension and alignment checked regularly to ensure your car stays stable and handles well.The suspension system is responsible for supporting the weight of your car and maintaining the contact between the tires and the road. It also helps to absorb shock from bumps and uneven surfaces by keeping the tire on the road. Ever heard of the term “Where the rubber meets the road”? When you don’t keep up with regular maintenance, it can affect your car's handling and stability. Over time, the suspension system can wear out or become misaligned, which can result in uneven tire wear, reduced traction, and decreased handling performance. Check on these regularly to prevent major problems down the road.

Also consider headlight restoration or replacement. Why? Reduced visibility in wet weather can make it harder to see and be seen on the road. If your headlights are foggy or dim, have them restored or replaced to ensure that they provide adequate lighting in less than ideal conditions.

Don’t forget, you have the power to practice safe driving. When conditions are not ideal, it’s time to slow down and increase your following distance to avoid rear-end collisions.

Protect Your Brakes and Tires for a Worry-Free Journey

It is essential to prioritize safety when it comes to car maintenance. As Spring brings rainy weather, it's important to ensure that your car's brakes and tires are in good condition to handle wet roads. As always, we recommend changing your oil every 4000-6000 miles. Generally, that’s only 2-3 visits a year! Our team will perform our FREE courtesy inspection which includes your tires, steering, suspension, and brakes.

Remember, preventative maintenance does not cost, it pays!

Taking care of your car is essential for a safe and worry-free journey. At Wilton Auto and Tire, we're committed to helping you meet your needs for a safe and reliable vehicle. Please call us to schedule an appointment or stop by the shop to see how we can help you!