Absolute Transmission Service

When to replace Brake rotor explain
the main signs

A brake rotor is a metal disk attached to a vehicle's wheel hub that is subjected to friction
from a brake pad and stops the vehicle. The rotor is located inside the callipers, which
contain brake pads located on both sides of the rotor.

The brake rotor will wear over time due to contact with the brake pad. However, a new
rotor is not always necessary for each brake pad change. Due to reasons, you have to
replace brake rotor to make a safer journey. Most rotors can be treated once or multiple
times to extend their life.

 However, each surface treatment makes the rotor thinner and
sooner or later, a new rotor is needed. Always follow the recommendations of the car
manufacturer when replacing the rotor.

Main signs to Replace Brake rotor

Here are some of the signs that need the replacement of the brake rotor.

Brake Vibration

You may feel vibration when you brake. You can feel these vibrations throughout the car,
the brake pedal, or the steering wheel.

Increased brake noise

If the brake rotor is distorted or uneven, a loud squeak is often heard when braking. People
may feel a louder scraping or grinding sound as the problem worsens.

Visible damage to the disk – As you examine the brake disk, you may notice grooves,
scratches, discolouration, or discrepancies. These are signs that the brake disk needs
skimming or replacing.

Increase in stop distance

If your car stops longer than usual or turns to one side, the problem may be related to
braking. Longer stopping distances or uneven or unbalanced brakes can greatly affect car
safety and lead to non-compliance.

Pulsation

If you hear a pulsating sound when you brake, this is a powerful indicator that the brake
rotor needs to be replaced. It is due to the uneven wear of the rotor, and the friction
between the rotor and the brake pad causes pulsation. So it is a sign for you to replace the
brake rotor.

Brake noise

If the rotor or pad is scratched when the brake is applied, it must be replaced immediately.
The brakes are metal and metal colliding to try to stop the car. It's hard to create the
friction needed to stop a car.

Corrosive rust on the rotor

As for the rotor, not all rust is made similarly. The surface rust of the rotor is quite normal
and generally falls off after use but does not affect the stopping force. On the other hand,
the acidic rust seeps into the casting and damages the rotor's structural integrity. This type
of rust is common when living in harsh weather conditions, such as exposure to road salt. It
can also occur when the car is left for a long time, and surface rust bites into the rotor. Rust
can damage the brake pads and significantly impact the braking performance, so it is
recommended that the rotor be changed along with the brake pads when rust occurs.

How long does the brake rotor last?

Most steel and composite rotors are designed to last up to 70,000 miles, but the rotor life
varies depending on your driving habits.
Stop & Go If you put on a hard brake frequently, such as in a traffic jam, the brake disks may
wear out quickly. On the other hand, moderate driving and stop-time relaxation can help
extend the life of the brake rotor.

Closing words

The brake rotor lasts much longer than the brake pad. However, it is not permanent. As a
car driver, you should understand how long the brake rotor will survive, the cause of early
failure, and how to check it. It is important to keep track of the rotor's condition so that
safety issues do not occur when the rotor fails.
It is relatively easy to determine when the brake pads start to wear, but it may be a little
difficult to know the warning signs when the rotor wears.