The Three Bs of Winter Maintenance: Battery, Brakes, Brake Lights

Winter is coming, and with it comes a host of challenges for drivers. From icy roads to frosty mornings, this time of year puts your vehicle to the test. At L&S Quality Auto Repair, we want to help you stay safe this season by focusing on three critical aspects of your car—what we like to call “The Three Bs of Winter”: Battery, Brakes, and Brake Lights. Let’s break them down and talk about why these components are essential for winter driving and how you can keep them in good shape.

1) Battery – Don’t Get Left Out in the Cold

Cold temperatures can drain your car battery faster than you might expect. Batteries work by producing a chemical reaction, and when the temperature drops, this reaction slows down. This makes it harder for your battery to provide the power your car needs to start. If your car struggles to crank on chilly mornings or you’ve noticed dim headlights, it could be a sign that your battery is on its last legs.

Quick Tips to Keep Your Battery Charged and Reliable:

• Get your battery tested at least once during the winter months to check its charge and overall health.
• Look for corrosion on the terminals and clean them if needed (we can help with that!).
• Make sure your battery is securely mounted to avoid vibration damage.

Don’t get stranded in the cold. At L&S Quality Auto Repair, we can test your battery and even replace it on the spot if needed.

2) Brakes – Essential for Winter Safety

Safe winter driving is all about control, and your brakes play a huge role in that. Icy, snowy, or wet roads can significantly reduce traction. Without properly functioning brakes, stopping in time could become a gamble you don’t want to take.

Signs You Need to Have Your Brakes Checked:

• Screeching or grinding sounds when you apply the brakes.
• A spongy or soft brake pedal feel.
• The car pulls to one side when braking.

To keep your brakes winter-ready, have them inspected by our team. We’ll check the brake pads, rotors, and fluid to ensure everything performs as it should when you hit the brakes.

3) Brake Lights – Your Communication on the Road

During winter, shorter days mean you’ll be driving in the dark more often. Add snow, fog, or rain into the mix, and visibility can become dangerously low. Brake lights act as your car’s way of shouting, “Hey! I’m slowing down!” to the drivers behind you. If they can’t see your lights, you’re not giving them enough time to react.

How to Ensure Your Brake Lights Are Working Properly:

• Have someone stand behind your car while you step on the brake pedal, or back up to a reflective surface and check in your mirrors.
• Replace burnt-out bulbs immediately.
• If your lights still don’t work after changing the bulbs, there could be a wiring or fuse issue that we can diagnose.

At L&S Quality Auto Repair, we’ll make sure all your lights are bright, visible, and functioning correctly—keeping you safe on every drive.

Warm Up Your Winter with a Maintenance Check

Winter driving can be unpredictable, but your car doesn’t have to be. By focusing on these three essentials—your battery, brakes, and brake lights—you’re taking an important step toward safer travels all season long.

Our team at L&S Quality Auto Repair is here to help. We provide comprehensive inspections and maintenance services to give you peace of mind when you’re on the road. Call us today to schedule your winter check-up. Stay safe, drive smart, and don’t forget to keep the “Three Bs” in mind every time you hit the road this winter.