Time to Replace Your Brake Rotors

You can probably think of a million things you’d rather spend money on than car repairs. But, you don’t want to compromise your safety by driving around with shoddy brakes either. When is the last time you checked the condition of your brakes and brake rotors?

Here is what you should watch out for, and if you find that it’s high time those rotors were replaced, cash in some brake repair coupons and get yourself some new stopping power.

Do Your Rotors Need Replacing?

When it comes to figuring out whether or not you need to replace your brake rotors, it’s all about using your head. Literally. Your brake rotors will let you know audibly and visibly if they are suffering from significant wear and tear or if they need to be replaced entirely.

Name That Tune…

Any noises coming from your brakes, whether that noise occurs if you have to stop short or are slowing down with sustained, consistent pressure, should not be music to your ears. If you hear a squeaking or whining sound, a quick investigation will likely turn up an issue or two with your brakes or brake rotors. In most cases, this won’t necessarily be a big issue, but the goal is to keep it from turning into one. Particularly because a big problem with your brakes is ultimately a safety issue. In order to protect yourself and your passengers on the road, listen closely, especially if that squeaking noise develops into grinding.

Any grinding you hear is an indication that your brake pads have worn down to the metal, which – left unchecked – will destroy your brake rotors. Now, this is especially concerning if your car is equipped with ABS, or Anti-Lock Braking System. ABS comes with sensors which will alert you if your brakes are wearing down. Disregarding these warnings will also result in damage to the sensor itself, which then adds to your repair bill.

At the first sound of trouble, get to your auto repair shop quickly and have the experts assess the situation.

The Eyes Have It…

The good news is you can also inspect your brake pads visually. To make it easier, try turning your steering wheel as far left or right as it will go. Doing so should give you a glimpse inside the wheel so that you can determine the thickness of your brake pads. What you want to see is at least one-quarter inch of pad remaining. But, if you don’t, if they look any thinner than that, it’s time to get them replaced by your auto repair shop.

How does this impact your brake rotors?

Avoid Getting Your Groove On…

All of the components in your brake system need to be in good shape in order to work together efficiently and effectively.

But, the way it works is like this: when you depress your brake pedal in order to slow down or stop, the brake pads put pressure on the rotor, which is how the car comes to a stop. After a while , your brake rotors will wear down under this pressure, and your brake pads might even create a minor groove in the rotor itself. A minor groove in the rotor is a major problem. If you see this, you need to get your brake rotors replaced immediately. Brake rotors that are in good condition have smooth, dust-free surfaces. That’s what you want to see.

Shake It Off

If your eyes and ears deceive you and you fail to hear or see anything wrong with your braking system, then maybe it’s because all is well. But there is one more giveaway that will reveal functionality issues with your brakes. The next time you’re behind the wheel, pay close attention when you attempt to engage the brakes.

After you depress the brake pedal, do you notice any vibrating or wobbling from your vehicle? If so, then it’s likely your rotors have warped somehow. This generally doesn’t happen overnight. In fact, of you’re experiencing any shaking when you attempt to slow or stop your vehicle, it’s likely because you’ve ignored other warning signs, like the squeaking or grinding noises, and now your car is trying to shake some sense into you. Literally.

The wobbling results from failure on the part of the brake pads to make solid contact with your brake rotors. That missed connection can prove dangerous and needs to be addressed right away.

Turn About is Safe Play

You can avoid issues with your brake rotors by knowing when they should be turned. Not only will you dodge safety failures, but you’ll also save some serious coin by opting for preventative care over expensive repairs.

What does it mean to turn your brake rotors?

Turning your brake rotors is a simple machining or lathing process which rids the rotors of excess debris or rough spots, both of which can compromise the other components in the braking system and challenge the rotor’s efficacy. The process of turning your brake rotors also benefits your brake pads by keeping them clear of grit, which prevents them from warping. Turning your rotors results in less heat and cleaner braking action. Generally you should have your brake rotors turned when you get your brakes changed. Routine rotor turning helps combat the wear and tear from regular braking and reduces hot spots which will warp your rotors over time.

How can you tell if your rotors are smooth?

Your vehicle’s braking action will indicate whether or not your rotors need to be turned. If you don’t experience any pulsing when you engage your brakes, you can be confident that your rotors are smooth and in good shape.

Prevention is a Priority

We all know that it’s easy to save money and avoid costly repairs if we stay on top of the maintenance schedule provided by our vehicle’s manufacturer. This, of course, applies to your brake rotors. You can prevent unnecessary wear and tear, thereby avoiding costly repairs to your rotors.

First of all, it’s helpful to understand what a rotor is made of so that you can better appreciate how they work and what factors pose a threat to their overall condition. Brake rotors are built out of cast iron because cast iron is more durable (and cheaper) than say, steel. The greatest wear and tear on your brakes results from high temperatures. Abrupt or hard stops, particularly when traveling fast, will cause your rotors to heat up very quickly, which can potentially result in warping and most certainly wears them down faster. You’ll notice that your rotors are worn down if it takes more pressure from you to get the same braking results.

Certain types of vehicles will naturally generate more eat, due to their weight and size. SUVs, trucks, and other large vehicles create more heat, compared to smaller cars, which means that if you drive a model from one of those larger segments, expect to replace your braking components more frequently.

Opting for vented or slotted rotors can lessen how much heat is generated, and create cooler braking action. Vented or slotted rotors, combined with slower braking pressure, and the avoidance of riding your brakes whenever possible, will keep your pads cooler longer, extending the life of your braking system.

Keep in mind, when it comes to your brakes, the rotors are the most expensive parts to replace, so take good care of them. Good car care is also an investment in your personal safety and the safety of those traveling with you.