When the roads are wet, your brakes have to work harder.
Rain, standing water and colder conditions can all reduce grip and increase stopping distances, which makes a healthy braking system even more important during autumn and winter.
For drivers around Fareham, Segensworth and the surrounding area, now is a sensible time to make sure your brakes are performing as they should.
Why wet weather affects braking
Wet roads reduce the amount of grip available between your tyres and the road surface.
Even when your braking system is working perfectly, your vehicle can take longer to stop in poor conditions. If your brake pads, discs or other braking components are already worn, that stopping distance can increase further.
That is why small braking issues that might be less noticeable in dry weather can become much more important when conditions deteriorate.
Signs your brakes may need attention
Brake wear is not always obvious, but there are several warning signs worth looking out for.
These can include:
- Squealing or grinding noises when braking
- Vibration through the steering wheel or brake pedal
- A soft or spongy brake pedal
- The vehicle pulling to one side when braking
- A brake warning light on the dashboard
- Reduced braking performance
If you notice any of these symptoms, it is worth having the vehicle checked as soon as possible.
What causes brake wear?
Brake pads and discs are designed to wear over time.
How quickly they wear depends on a number of factors, including mileage, driving style, road conditions and the type of journeys you regularly make.
Frequent stop start driving can place more demand on the braking system, while vehicles used for longer journeys may experience different wear patterns.
Corrosion can also become more noticeable during wetter months, particularly if a vehicle is not driven regularly.
Do brakes get checked during an MOT?
Your braking system forms an important part of the MOT test, but an MOT should not be treated as a substitute for routine maintenance.
A vehicle can develop brake wear between MOT tests, so it is important to pay attention to any changes in braking performance throughout the year.
Routine servicing and inspections can help identify wear before it becomes a larger problem.
How often should brakes be checked?
There is no single interval that applies to every vehicle because brake wear varies considerably.
A good approach is to have your brakes inspected during routine servicing and whenever you notice a change in how the vehicle feels or sounds.
If you are unsure about the condition of your brakes, a simple inspection can give you a much clearer picture.
Brake checks in Segensworth and Fareham
At Segensworth Automobiles, we can inspect your vehicle’s braking system and advise you if any repairs or replacement parts are required.
We provide straightforward advice and will explain what needs attention, what can wait and what is still in good condition.
If your brakes do not feel quite right, or you simply want some reassurance before the wetter winter months, get in touch with our team.
Call 01489 662 000 or book your vehicle in with Segensworth Automobiles today.
