Common Brake Problem In Winter

Hello, we have been having 2 constant complaints from customers this winter. The first is low tire pressure from the ice cold temperatures. The second is brakes pulsating or not stopping like they used too. Since I talked about low tire pressure and common rim leaks in my last post, I thought I would talk about what we are seeing commonly with brakes.

What we are finding the most after inspecting the brakes is that the brake pads are rusted/seizing into place in the brake caliper brackets. As a result, the pads do not make full contact with the brake rotor. The attached pictured is of a brake rotor in which the pad is only making minimal contact with the rotor. This can be seen by the shiny streak in the middle of the rotor. The other surface of the rotor is rusted and defaced due to the brake pad not touching it. A rotor in which the brake pad is making complete contact with the whole rotor will make the rotor appear completely shiny.

​ So you may be wondering what is the fix of this issue? Servicing the caliper brackets and replacing the pads and rotors. Unfortunately when pads wear at angles they will never go back to wearing evenly and will only run new rotors. Rotors have become inexpensive enough that new rotors can be the same cost as turning old ones.

Being able to stop a vehicle is important. Having good working brakes is also extremely important. If you think you may be having this issue, then give us a call and let Paul or I know that you saw this blog post!