Make the smart choice for safer braking this winter

Juratek is urging garages to make brake safety a priority this coming winter. With British roads facing more rain, ice, and darker driving conditions, stopping distances increase dramatically, and quality braking components can make all the difference.

According to the Highway Code, a car travelling at 70 mph requires up to 96 metres (315 ft), or 24 car lengths, to stop in ideal conditions. This distance takes into consideration both the driver thinking distance and actual braking distance. However, the Transport Research Laboratory found that average driver reaction times are more than double Highway Code estimations which pushes stopping distances even further. Add in worn braking components or adverse road and weather conditions and they increase even more.

This is why Juratek is reminding garages that safe braking is not just about driver reactions, it’s also about the quality of the braking components used.

Braking systems face greater demands in colder weather. Slippery roads and reduced grip mean the braking system must work harder, with any weaknesses in the pads, discs, or calipers quickly exposed.

Brake-related issues are also one of the leading causes of MOT failures in the UK. By highlighting the safety and cost benefits of preventative brake checks, garages can protect drivers while also building stronger customer loyalty.

Juratek recommends that garages include the following in a winter brake service:

·       Pad wear inspection – ensure pads are replaced before reaching unsafe levels.

·       Disc checks – look for scoring, cracks, or uneven wear.

·       Caliper servicing – sticking calipers cause uneven wear and poor braking efficiency.

·       Brake fluid replacement – usually every three years, as water contamination reduces performance and risks corrosion.

For workshops, the winter months are not just a challenge but a commercial opportunity. Drivers rarely notice deteriorating braking performance until it becomes critical, by which point repairs are often more expensive. Preventative checks allow technicians to recommend timely component replacement, helping avoid breakdowns and positioning the garage as a trusted advisor.

Matt Leeming, Head of Product Management for Frasle Mobility in the UK, explains: “Stopping distances increase dramatically in poor weather, but the right braking components can make all the difference.”