Your must-read tips for best practice care of your brake rotors
When your brake rotors have issues, it will normally be one of four things...
Brake rotors do the heavy lifting when it comes to safety in your vehicle.
Brake rotors are critical to your braking system, it's that simple. Also known as 'brake discs', the brake rotors are what your brake pads clamp onto in order to prevent the wheels from turning. So ensuring that they are in good condition at all times is essential. The below tips are a must-read.
1. Noisy brakes
Typically the first sign you'll notice that your brake rotors might be on the way out is the noise which is made as a result. If your rotors warped / aren't perfectly flat or they are severely worn, you'll normally hear squealing or scraping sound (warped brake rotors will squeal, severely worn brake rotors will scrape). Check the brake pads too if you hear these noises.
2. Vibrations
Excessive vibration when you depress the pedal can also be a sign of excessively worn or warped brake rotors, frantic movement which you might feel through the pedal, steering wheel or chassis. It may also feel like the pedal is pulsing when you depress it if your brake rotors are warped, reflecting the inconsistency in the contact being achieved in the system.
3. Elongated stopping distances
As you would expect, if brake components start to fail, the effect will almost certainly lead to poorer quality braking. So in addition to the noise, vibrations and pulsing pedal effect, you may also feel like your vehicle is taking longer to stop, especially with sudden or emergency braking.
4. Grooves or scratches on the rotor
If you experience any of the symptoms above, the next step is to visually check the brake rotors. Although they designed with a thickness that allows for wearing down over time, when you can see visual degrading such as grooves or scratches it's time for replacement on safety grounds.
Above all else, remember this about brake rotors...
...if you have any reason at all to suspect your rotors may not be up to scratch and you're not a qualified mechanic, let someone who is have a look at your vehicle.
