This time each year, we welcome the return of that seasonal panorama of multi-hued reds, yellows, oranges, browns and greens as the leaves begin to change color. First on the trees, then descending to the ground, it’s a visual gift that softens the blow of an impending winter to follow.

While it’s hard to compete with the natural aesthetic value of the changing autumn leaves, a mat of wet leaves on the pavement can pose a hazard to drivers and those in their vicinity. Almost as though a layer of silicone was laid between two surfaces, tires can have difficulty grabbing the road at critical moments.

While this probably isn’t the greatest road hazard you’ll face throughout the year, it is worth noting. It’s also a useful reminder to check your brakes. After all, if your car will slip on wet leaves, imagine what it will do on a patch of ice in a few months.

It only takes a few minutes for a qualified mechanic to check your brakes. Most auto repair shops, such as Ringwood based Performance Unlimited, are more than happy to check your brakes at no additional charge while changing your oil or performing other maintenance or repairs.

Safety is the best reason to make sure your brakes are ready whenever you need them. However, Denny Norton, the owner of Performance Unlimited, said there is at least one other good reason to check your brakes on a relatively regular basis.

“Once your brakes wear down to the point where you’re riding metal on metal, you risk ruining your rotors or drums,” he said. “If you stay on top of your brakes you can usually replace the pads or shoes before you do additional damage.”

With modern brake systems, there are other concerns, such as the ABS anti-lock brake system. This is the system that rapidly pulsates the brakes when you stop hard so that the car doesn’t skid uncontrollably. However, the ABS system doesn’t require maintenance with the regularity of your brake pads and shoes.

For more information, call Performance Unlimited at 815-728-0343 or visit their Web site at www.4performanceunlimited.com.