The braking system is vital to safe driving. That’s why maintaining all components including the brake rotors is crucial.
The main reason why brake rotors need to be replaced is simple wear and tear. Every time you step on the brake pedal, these rotors are subject to damage due to friction. With repeated application, the metal material is slowly worn away over time. Most manufacturers recommend swapping them out for a new set every time you replace the brake pads. This is more of a “two birds one stone†tactic to avoid potential problems later on and to save you time at the mechanic.
Another reason why brake rotors need to be changed is warping. As these discs are being used, they are constantly being heated and cooled. With time, the tolerance for this process is reached and the metal begins to distort. This deformation commonly occurs with towing or going uphill frequently. Finally, cracks may also be grounds for a transition of parts.
So, what signs should you look for to know if your brake rotors are bad? Squeaking as you step on the corresponding pedal is one, and pulsation is another.
In most vehicles, there are over 40 components that make up the braking system to enable you to come to a complete halt. One aspect that you might not know about is the brake rotor.
These are circular discs that are connected to each wheel. Two are located in the front, and two more are positioned on the back. Designed to turn kinetic energy (motion) into thermal energy (heat), the brake rotors are a crucial part of the mechanism as a whole.
When you step on the brake pedal, the calipers push the brake pads together. This causes friction across the rotors’ surface which then directly resists the spin that the wheel wants to continue making. As a result, the speed of the vehicle is slowed down until there is no more movement.
There are four types of brake rotors including the following:
Blank and Smooth - These are equipped on most passenger models, and they have no design or indentations on the surface.
Drilled - This model comes with holes.
Slotted - Lines or long/thin slots have been carved into the metal.
Drilled and Slotted - Typically used for enhanced performance, this version has both slots and holes.