Reasons Why You Should Replace Rotors?

Answer 1

There will come a time when you have to replace your rotors. The rotors are an essential part of your car’s braking system, as the brake pads grab on to the rotor, using friction to slow down and stop your car. While rotors do not need to be replaced as often as brake pads, they still require regular servicing in order to remain an effective part of the braking process.

There are plenty of reasons why you should have your rotors replaced. One reason is that over time, rotors can become suspectible to developing grooves and gouges, especially if brake pads are not changed in time. As the brake pads wear, there is a greater potential for the pad hardware to come in contact with the brake rotor. When contact occurs, deep grooves can be scored in the surface of the rotor. Eventually, the rotor will have a number of deep grooves that can interfere with normal braking. If you can feel deep grooves in the rotor surface with your fingernail, then your rotors need to be replaced.

Warping from excessive heat can be another reason for replacing your rotors. Rotors are also tasked with dissipating heat that is caused by the friction of the brakes. When the rotor material becomes too thin, the rotor can lose its ability to channel heat away from the brakes. Excess heat can cause the rotors to warp, leaving what should be a perfectly flat surface looking more like a warped paper plate. The warping is minute to the naked eye, but it often presents itself as excess pulsation when the brakes are applied.

Rust is also another reason to replace your rotors, especially if you have a vehicle that has been sitting outside for a long period of time. As the rotors are kept exposed to the elements without the benefit of friction keeping the surface clean, surface rust can develop on the rotor. Rusted rotors are definitely not as effective when it comes to stopping a vehicle.