Construction Season Survival: Why Your Brakes are Working Overtime

In Minnesota, we have two seasons: Winter and Construction. While the orange cones are a sign of progress, they are a nightmare for your braking system. The constant stop-and-go idling and sudden heavy braking required to navigate work zones in Woodbury and Hastings put massive heat stress on your pads and rotors.

How Construction Season Wears Down Your Brakes: Frequent "creeping" in traffic doesn't allow your brakes to cool down. This leads to glazing on the pads and can even cause your rotors to warp, leading to that annoying vibration in your steering wheel every time you slow down.

Watch for these "Stop & Go" Symptoms:

• High-Pitched Squealing: This is usually your brake’s built-in wear indicator telling you the pads are thin.
• The "Grind": If you hear metal-on-metal, stop driving immediately. Your rotors are being damaged.
• Spongy Pedal: If you have to press the pedal nearly to the floor to stop, you may have a hydraulic issue or severely worn components.

This June, Paramount Auto Service is offering $50 OFF per axle for brake services. Whether you’ve noticed a new squeak or just want a safety check before your summer travels, our expert team at Woodbury East, Woodbury West and Hastings are here to help you stop on a dime.