When the temperature drops, your brakes face some of their toughest conditions of the year. Snow, ice, road salt, and freezing temperatures all take a toll on your braking system. If your brakes are already worn, those challenges become far more dangerous.
At Gurney’s Automotive Repair, we want to help you understand why winter magnifies braking issues—and how to keep your vehicle safe before the cold weather sets in.
Longer Stopping Distances
When brake pads wear down, they lose their ability to grip the rotors effectively. On dry pavement, that means your stopping distance increases slightly. On snow or ice, however, the effect is amplified. A few extra feet of stopping distance can mean the difference between avoiding a hazard and a collision.
Worn brakes also struggle to generate consistent friction, especially when traction is already reduced. That’s why it’s essential to make sure your pads and rotors are in good condition before winter driving begins.
Salt, Slush, and Corrosion
Winter roads are treated with salt to melt ice, but that same salt accelerates corrosion. Moisture and salt can build up on your rotors, calipers, and brake lines. When brake pads are thin, those exposed metal parts are even more vulnerable to rust, pitting, and premature wear.
Corrosion not only weakens components but can also cause brakes to stick or seize, making your vehicle harder to control when you need it most.
ABS and Traction System Problems
Modern vehicles rely on anti-lock braking (ABS) and traction control systems to help maintain stability. These systems depend on precise sensor feedback to modulate braking pressure. If your brakes are worn or uneven, those sensors may send inaccurate data, causing your ABS to engage too early, too late, or not at all.
That means even if your car is equipped with the latest safety technology, it can’t perform properly if your brakes aren’t in good shape.
Cold-Weather Brake Fade
Freezing temperatures affect brake performance in several ways. Brake fluid can thicken or absorb moisture over time, which reduces hydraulic pressure and makes your pedal feel soft or spongy. Combined with worn pads or glazed rotors, this leads to brake fade: a noticeable drop in stopping power.
This issue is most common during the first few minutes of driving on cold mornings, when your system hasn’t fully warmed up. If you notice decreased responsiveness or a soft pedal, it’s a sign your brakes need attention.
How to Stay Safe This Winter
Before winter weather arrives, schedule a brake inspection at Gurney’s Automotive Repair. Our ASE-certified technicians will:
- Check the thickness of your brake pads and inspect rotors for scoring or warping.
- Test the brake fluid for contamination and replace it if necessary.
- Inspect calipers, brake lines, and hoses for corrosion or leaks.
- Ensure your ABS and traction systems are working properly.
Taking care of your brakes before snow and ice hit the roads gives you confidence that your car can stop safely—no matter the conditions.
Why Choose Gurney’s Automotive Repair
At Gurney’s Automotive Repair, we’ve been helping New Hampshire drivers stay safe on the road since 1985. Our family-owned shops in Nashua and Milford provide professional, trustworthy service backed by a 2-year/24,000-mile warranty on all repairs.
When you visit us, you’ll get:
- Honest communication and clear explanations of every service.
- ASE-certified technicians trained in the latest diagnostics and repair methods.
- Quality parts and workmanship designed to last.
- Convenient options like free shuttles, loaner cars, and a comfortable waiting area.
We treat every vehicle like it belongs to one of our own family members, and that’s why so many drivers trust us for their seasonal maintenance and brake care.
Schedule Your Brake Inspection Today
Worn brakes are always a safety concern, but in winter, the risks multiply. Don’t wait until the first snowfall to find out your stopping power isn’t what it should be.
Schedule your brake inspection today at Gurney’s Automotive Repair in Nashua or Milford, NH. We’ll make sure your vehicle is ready for the season ahead and help keep you safe on every winter drive.
