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I have a 2013 Chevy Cruise that has new brakes changed by the dealership, and they work perfectly in the rain, and dry conditions. But when there's snow on the ground, the brakes often start grinding, and I can feel it in the pedal (I can also hear it). This happens at the end of the stop. I assume it has something to do with the ABS mechanism in the car.

Why only when it's snowy?

What is happening when this occurs?

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Normal Sounds

The sound you are hearing is the ABS releasing pressure within the system to allow the wheels to continue to rotate and not lock up when you apply the brakes in low friction conditions.

As the snow builds up and you encounter low friction driving conditions due to snow and ice the ABS will kick in more frequently because you are encountering low friction conditions.

The 'grinding' you hear and feel in your peddle is by design. You have nothing to worry about.

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  • Thanks for the answer. Do you know if this feature is in all cars that have ABS?
    – Mena Labib
    Mar 11, 2016 at 18:21
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    What you are describing I would consider normal behavior for most ABS vehicles. There may be newer models that act/react to braking under low friction conditions differently.
    – DucatiKiller
    Mar 11, 2016 at 18:23
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    It's worth mentioning that if ABS is kicking in, the driver is probably driving too aggressively. To test if it's the ABS, driving in regular conditions on a clear and empty road and panic stopping should show identical response in the brake pedal to what the OP is experiencing when it's snowing.
    – Shamtam
    Mar 11, 2016 at 22:21

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