How do you know when to replace brake pads and not pads and rotars?

Answer 1

well, if your pads are worn down, then replace them. Most brakes will start squeaking when turnnig corner and then start all the time, its that way so you know its time to change the pads. If the rotor looks wavey, not flat then the rotor needs work. If you take it to a autoshop that does brakes they can tell you how bad they are, if its not too bad then they can "turn" your rotors, or smooth them out, which is cheaper then replacing them, but if its too bad they will have to be replaced. The longer you drive on worn pads, the more damage can be done to the rotors, If you get to the point where when you step on the brakes and you hear a grinding noise, they both will need to be replaced, but if it gets that bad you may want to take it into a shop to make sure they isn't any other damage to the brake. Also if the worn out pads aren't flat or if the brake pad, not the steel backing is thick in some spots and almost gone in other spot the alinment of the brake pad may be off when you step on the brake, wearing out your breakpads earlier then they should, you might want to get it fixed as well.