Why Salty Ontario Roads Are Your Brake's Worst Enemy
In Ajax, late winter doesn't just bring slush and potholes—it brings the "late-winter squeal." If you’ve noticed a high-pitched chirp or a rhythmic grinding noise when pulling out of your driveway lately, you aren't alone.
The team at Ajax Hyundai see a massive spike in "squeaky brake" concerns every February and March. While it’s easy to ignore a small sound, that noise is often the first warning sign that Ontario’s road salt is beginning to eat away at your vehicle's most critical safety system.
Ontario uses between 3 to 5 million tonnes of road salt annually. While it keeps the 401 safe, it is incredibly corrosive to the cast iron and steel in your braking system.
When you drive through slush, a salty brine sprays into your wheel wells. This salt doesn't just sit on the surface; it works its way into the moving parts of your calipers.
Most drivers wait until they hear a loud grinding sound before visiting us. By this point there is likely no chance to save your existing parts and it is likely your vehicle will need new pads AND new rotors. In Ontario, a full brake job can easily range from $400 to $900* per axle depending on your model.
However, there is a proactive alternative that not all of our customers are aware of: the Brake Cleaning and Lubrication Service.
Why a proactive service is the smarter financial move:
Not every sound requires a tow truck, but knowing the difference can save your life (and your bank account).
At Ajax Hyundai, we want to help you avoid the "emergency" brake job. Our Seasonal Service Packages are designed specifically for the Durham Region climate to catch these issues before they become "red light" problems.
How to extend your brake life this winter:
Don’t let a scheduled maintenance task that costs a few hundred dollars turn into a repair worth thousands. Our Hyundai-certified technicians know exactly where Ontario salt hides and how to stop it in its tracks.
Ready to quiet those brakes and save your rotors? Schedule your service with our experts online or call our service desk today. We’ll get you back on the road with the stopping power and peace of mind you need for the rest of the winter season!
* price estimates are based on values found on https://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/cost-to-replace-brake-pads-and-rotors.html at time of publication
** price estimates are based on an average of local Hyundai dealerships, including Ajax Hyundai
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