Brake wear on black ice is very common during the winter months. Icy conditions always put stress on your car. However, drivers tend to put the most stress because they do not know how to drive safely on icy roads, especially with black ice. So, what kind of break wear is your car going to face and how do you prevent it?
Anyone who’s driven on icy roads can relate to the panic that sets in when your car starts to slide. The first instinct is to slam on the brakes. After all, it’s only natural to press down on the one thing that usually de-accelerates your car. However, this is the worst decision when driving on black ice. Touching the brakes during an icy encounter can cause you to skid and potentially spin out. This can also lead to damage to your breaks. Most people do not have control over their strength when the adrenaline is up, so you might damage your brakes in your desperate bid to stop.
Furthermore, anti-icing methods also can increase brake wear. In order to keep the roads safe, companies will pour salted asphalt onto the roads to thaw the ice. While this salt prevents you from sliding, it does a lot of damage to your brake pads. Over time, this can corrode the pads. Your brakes can even fail due to salt exposure. In addition, winter weather can interrupt the braking process. So, what are some ways to prevent your brakes from wearing out?
One of the best ways to protect your brakes is to reduce stress on them. Knowing how to drive safely on black ice can help. After all, you won’t panic about slamming the brakes if you know how to handle icy roads properly. First of all, you want to be shifted into a lower gear that will provide more control of your car. You also want to ease up on the gas because it will reduce the risk of skidding. It is a good idea to add to your following distance because stopping distance will increase depending on the road conditions.
However, the best option is to pay attention to your car and check on your brake pads.
Before the snow begins to fall, make sure your car is ready for the winter weather by stopping at Mr. Muffler. Since 1995, Mr. Muffler has been providing high-quality auto services for our customers, including brake repair and replacement. Our auto services are available throughout winter to make sure you can travel safely on the roads!
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Did you know that fall is the perfect time to get your car ready for winter? As the temperature in Michigan changes and you begin to prepare yourself for the frigid temps coming our way, it is important to ensure that you don’t forget to prepare your car as well. Here are the top five things to pay attention to when servicing your car during the fall:
When temperatures drop, roads become slippery and snowy. Checking that your tires are in good condition for winter is very important. Having proper threading on your tires is important not just for your car, but for your safety as well. Tires that are worn out tend to be called “bald” It is very important to have bald tires replaced prior to the winter. You might even look into buy tires that are made specifically for winter driving in Michigan.
Regardless of the weather, brakes are the most critical part of vehicle safety. Be sure to have your brake pads, as well as drums or rotors, checked. Be sure to contact our car maintenance professionals for information on brake services in Westland.
As winter arrives, cold weather is rough on your car battery. Checking the battery connections and
ensuring that there is no corrosion around the battery connections is important in allowing your battery to function properly. It is recommended to replace your battery after 3 years, going no more than 5 years without replacing your battery.
Who doesn’t want to stay warm during their 
daily commutes to and from work or school? Of course, having proper working heat is important to you, but it is also important for your car. Allowing your car to properly warm up and defrost helps fluids run smoothly through your vehicle’s engine and transmission. Remember, driving with a “birds-eye view” is extremely dangerous, be sure to let your windows properly defrost before hitting the road. Contact us now to have your heating/cooling checked.
If your windshield wiper blades are not doing very well clearing your windshield, unfortunately when ice and snow arrive, it is only going to get worse. The winter puts a lot of work on wiper blades because more often than not you aren’t just clearing water from your window, small ice formations are also being cleared, causing more wear and tear.
Of course, there are other important things to have checked before the cold air comes, such as getting an oil change, tune-up, or other winter car maintenance, but we wanted to share the top five fall maintenance tips to protect your safety during the winter.
Be sure to ask our auto professionals about winterizing your car.