5 Common Brake Problems in Cold Weather

As cold weather creeps in, you might notice some changes in your car’s performance, especially when it comes to braking. The combination of moisture, friction, and worn parts can lead to a handful of brake problems in colder temperatures.

Let’s look at some common issues that you may face during winter conditions (unless you live in Arizona) and how to address them before they become they become a serious problem.

brakes in cold weather

Related: Freezing Points of Gasoline, Diesel, Coolant, and Others

Common Brake Problems in Winter

#1 – Squeaking and Squealing

In cold regions or on those frosty mornings, you might notice your brakes making squeaking or squealing sounds. There are a couple main reasons for this.

Moisture in the air or from snow, slush, or water on the road may be affecting your brake pads and rotors. As you use your brakes, the surfaces heat up and quickly dry up any moisture so the noise gradually lessens the longer you drive.

In addition, cold temperatures cause metal to contract so some brake components make temporarily fit together differently and cause unfamiliar noises.

#2 – Grinding Noises

whining noise when accelerating

Another common brake noise you may notice in cold weather is a grinding sound. While this is often more alarming than squeaking or squealing, it’s typically not worth panicking about.

The grinding noise is often from rust buildup on the brake rotors because the air has more moisture in cold environments. If you park your vehicle outside overnight, a thin layer of rust can form. Simply driving and using your brakes will usually take off the rust.

Worn brake pads or rotors are another cause of this noise. While you don’t need cold weather for this to happen, it’s a bit more prevalent when the temperatures dip lower.

This is a problem that won’t fix itself so you’ll want to get your brakes checked out by a mechanic as soon as possible. It’s a lot cheaper to get your brake pads replaced before they get to the point of causing damage to your rotors. If your brake rotors show marks or grooves on them, you’ll then have to deal with either resurfacing or replacement.

#3 – Brake Rotor Contraction

When temperatures drop, the effect on your brake components, especially brake rotors, becomes more noticeable. The cold air can cause your brake rotors to contract. This contraction can often affect the overall performance of your braking system.

As you drive in colder weather, the heat generated by braking can dissipate quickly due to the cold air surrounding the components. This may lead to a reduced braking efficiency and increased wear on pads and rotors.

#4 – Damage From Road Salt

winter driving

In many parts of the country, you’ll often find salt sprinkled across roads to help melt ice and snow. While this practice makes for safer driving conditions, it also exposes your brake system to potential damage.

Salt increases the rate of corrosion, particularly on metal components like your rotors and brake lines. As these parts become corroded, their effectiveness lessens, potentially leading to costly repairs or even brake failure.

#5 – Freezing Brake Components

Another issue to watch for is the accumulation of water and dirt on your brakes. As you drive through snow and slush, water can collect on your brake components and freeze overnight. This ice buildup can cause your brake pedal to feel less responsive and lead to uneven wear on your rotors.

To prevent this, try to park in your garage or other covered area whenever possible to prevent ice from forming.

Preventing Brake Problems in Winter

winter driving

Winter can be tough on your car’s brakes, and the combination of snow and ice makes driving a whole different challenge. Here are a few tips to help you out.

Tip #1 – Get a Brake Inspection

Before the winter season starts, it’s a good idea to get a brake inspection if you haven’t had your vehicle in for service recently. A mechanic can identify any issues with your brake system and make sure all components are in good working condition.

If you’re more of a DIYer, don’t forget to also check the brake fluid level and keep it topped off.

Tip #2 – Check Your Tire Pressure

Maintaining the correct tire pressure is always important but even more so on snowy and icy roads. Make it a habit to check your tire pressure regularly, especially during cold weather when air pressure can decrease. Proper tire inflation can reduce your chances of wheel lock-up in slippery conditions.

Tip #3 – Wash Your Car

While you may be thinking, “what’s the point?” when it comes to washing your car when it’s cold and snowy outside, regular car washes can help prevent brake problems. Road salt, dirt, and grime can accumulate on your vehicle, potentially affecting your brake system components.

Regular car washings can help keep these harmful contaminants at bay. At the very least and every once in a while, use a hose nozzle to rinse off your wheels and the brake components (not when they’re hot) behind them as well.

Tip #4 – Drive With Caution

It should go without saying but drive cautiously in winter weather. This means avoiding sudden stops, accelerating gently, and giving yourself plenty of time to react to any obstacles or changes in road conditions. Be gentle with your brakes to avoid putting unnecessary stress on the system.

Tip #5 – Go Easy on the Brakes

When driving on slippery roads, try not to rely solely on your brakes to slow down. Instead, use a combination of engine braking and coasting to reduce your speed gradually. This technique can help preserve your brakes and prevent them from premature wear.

Also, if you’re the type that likes to drive using both feet, it might be worth getting away from that habit as you will likely end up “riding the brakes” by resting your left foot on the brake pedal without even realizing it. Not only are you confusing drivers behind you, you’re wasting gas and shortening the lifespan of your brake components.

FAQs

Can Brake Lines Freeze in Cold Weather?

Yes, brake lines can in theory freeze in cold weather, although it is extremely rare. It would have to get to about 40 or 50 degrees below zero for that to happen.

However, if tiny cracks or small holes develop in the brake lines due to prolonged exposure to severe weather or a previous accident, moisture can make its way into the brake lines and mix with the brake fluid. If enough moisture is present, the now diluted brake fluid can freeze much sooner.

What Causes Brake Pedal Freezing?

Brake pedal freezing can happen when moisture accumulates within the brake system and freezes due to extreme cold temperatures. This can lead to frozen mechanisms inside the brake system, causing your brake pedal to feel stiff and hard to press.

How Can I Fix Stuck Brakes on a Car?

To fix stuck brakes, first, try to gently pump the brakes to loosen any built-up ice. If this doesn’t work, you may need to use a heat source, like a hairdryer, to carefully warm up the brake components and melt the ice.

Be careful when applying heat directly to the brake system to avoid damage to sensitive components, especially wiring or brake lines.

What’s Causing My Car to Judder When Braking in Cold Weather?

Juddering when braking in cold weather could be due to several reasons, including uneven wear on your brake discs and pads or rust buildup on rotors. Ice and snow on the road can also contribute to this issue.

Mark Stevens

2 Comments

    1. Are your brakes otherwise functioning normally? Could be an issue with the brake booster. I’d get it checked out at a shop to know for sure. Braking issues aren’t something to mess around with.

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