The boat ramp puts brakes underwater
Launching a boat is one of the few routine jobs that dunks part of a vehicle in water on purpose, and the brakes are the part that notices.
On the trailer, the wheels and any trailer brakes go fully under. On the tow vehicle, the rear wheels often get wet too, especially on a steep ramp. Wet brakes do not grip properly until the water is driven off, and the first stop after pulling out of the ramp, with a heavy boat behind you, is when that matters.
Two habits help.
Dry them before you need them. Pulling away from the ramp, apply the brakes gently a few times at low speed. The heat dries the surfaces and the pedal comes back to normal.
Rinse after the lake. Lake water leaves silt and grit on brake parts and wheels. A rinse with fresh water once the boat is home keeps it from sitting there.
When it is time for a check
- The vehicle pulls to one side when braking after a ramp day and does not settle.
- A grinding or scraping sound starts after launching season begins.
- The pedal feels different with the trailer hitched than it used to.
- The tow vehicle has done a full season of launching and has not been looked at.
Brake repair at this store is for cars, SUVs and pickups. If your trailer has its own brakes, ask the store what they can look at when you book.
Other stores nearby
Springfield and Washington also repair brakes in Missouri.
About this store
The Osage Beach store runs thirteen services and is managed by Brett Turner.
See the national brake repair page for all 33 locations.