Why does the brake make a creaking sound and fail to stop on snowy roads?

[StMiguel]

It is normal for the brake to make a creaking sound and fail to stop on snowy roads, as this is the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) in action. The function of ABS: The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) prevents the wheels from locking up during braking by automatically controlling the braking force, ensuring the wheels maintain a rolling and sliding state (with a slip ratio of around 20%). This maximizes the traction between the wheels and the road surface. Considerations when purchasing a car: Although ABS can shorten braking distance, different types of ABS systems vary significantly in price due to differences in their components and structure. Therefore, when purchasing a car, one should not only consider the price but also the type of ABS system installed.

[LaArianna]

I've experienced the situation where the brakes make a creaking noise and don't stop effectively when driving in snowy conditions. This is mostly the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) at work. When you brake hard on snow, the tires are prone to lock up and skid. The ABS system automatically performs rapid intermittent braking to prevent the wheels from completely locking, which causes the brake pedal to vibrate and produce a rattling sound. Although the noise can be alarming, it's actually the system helping us maintain steering control. To truly improve braking performance on snow, it's advisable to slow down early, apply the brakes gently, maintain a safe following distance, and consider switching to snow tires for better traction. Additionally, if the weather is extremely cold, ice forming on the brake pads and discs can also reduce braking performance. It's best to lightly press the brakes a few times after starting the car to melt the ice.

[Jocelyn]

A strange noise when braking on snow could be a warning of tire slippage. Snow-covered roads have reduced friction, and sudden braking can cause the tires to lock up and skid, making it harder for the car to stop. It's recommended to maintain ample braking distance while driving and ease off the accelerator early to coast and slow down. Additionally, an aging brake system can be even less responsive in icy conditions, and a thin layer of ice on the brake discs can temporarily disable the brakes. Try gently tapping the brakes about 20 meters in advance to warm up the system. If the noise seems to come from under the car, it might also be due to frozen brake components, which would require slowly thawing in a warm garage.

[LeNora]

When experiencing braking issues in snowy conditions, the first thing to consider is whether all-season tires are being used. For such road conditions, the most reliable solution is to switch to a set of snow tires. When I encountered strange braking noises while driving on snowy roads, I discovered it was due to insufficient tire grip, causing the ABS to intervene too frequently. Every time the wheels spun, the ABS would work frantically, causing pedal vibrations. To address this, the key is to control speed and braking force, avoiding sudden presses that trigger excessive system response. Also, be mindful of frost on the brake discs; gently press the brakes a few times before starting to remove the frost. If you frequently drive in icy or snowy areas, investing in a set of winter tires is definitely worth it.

[VonPenelope]

The squeaking and ineffective braking on snowy roads are likely due to the ABS system performing high-frequency pulse braking in snow. Since tires tend to lock up on snow, ABS prevents skidding by rapidly releasing and reapplying pressure, causing the brake pedal to pulsate and vibrate. It's recommended to keep your speed below 40 km/h and maintain a greater following distance than usual. A special reminder for new drivers: avoid stomping the brake pedal hard in snowy conditions—instead, use gentle, repeated presses for braking. Also, note that low temperatures can thicken brake fluid, slowing response time; using specialized winter brake fluid can help improve performance.

[DylanMarie]

Brake squealing in the snow requires case-by-case analysis. If there's a clunking sound from the front of the car, it might be due to ice formation on the brake disc surface. Lightly pressing the brakes a few times usually solves this. If there's pedal vibration and kickback inside the cabin, that's the ABS working to prevent skidding, indicating the tires are slipping. The most important thing in this situation is to stay calm and maintain steering stability. From a maintenance perspective, aged and grooved brake discs, or hardened/deteriorated brake pads perform worse in cold conditions. It's advisable to service the braking system before winter. Also, avoid using severely worn tires in the snow - consider replacing them when tread depth falls below 4mm to ensure proper traction on slippery surfaces.