Learn how often to replace brake rotors and signs of excessive rotor wear and distortion. A quick service can help diagnose bad rotors and solve braking issues.
Rotors are a key brake system component that wears out with use. Like brake pads, rotors must be replaced once worn. However, recognizing when your rotors are due for replacement can be tricky. Read on to learn what rotors do, signs of excessive wear, and when to replace rotors for safe braking action.
Rotors are disc-shaped components of your braking system. They are mounted on the wheel and rotate with it. When you press the brake pedal, calipers force the brake pads into direct contact with the rotor. As a result, the movement energy of your car is transferred through friction into heat energy on your rotors. Once brake pads grip the rotors, the car loses speed, while rotors and the brake pads experience strong friction and heat.
Over time, friction from braking will reduce the thickness of your rotors. The lower the rotor mass, the less energy it can absorb through braking and the higher the chance of rotor failure (breaking or cracking).
Every car manufacturer specifies the minimum rotor thickness before it must be replaced. In some states, this is mandatory. Rotors are typically replaced on both sides of the vehicle to ensure even wear. Shop authentic Nissan Parts Online at Ed Hicks Nissan to acquire Nissan OEM Brakes parts for maximum reliability.
Besides normal wear, other factors contribute to the need to replace rotors. For example, if your rotor has hard spots, they will wear less than the softer metal around them. Uneven wear (even just 0.001 inch) can cause a noticeable braking pedal vibration. The same can happen if one of the lug nuts is over/under-tightened, distorting the rotor and causing uneven wear.
As a general rule, your rotors should be inspected with every brake pad replacement and replaced according to your owner’s manual service schedule. Every car is different, and so are the driver’s braking habits. Likewise, the mileage may vary depending on your rotors (OEM vs. non-OEM). The need for rotor replacement is best determined upon inspection and comparison with the manufacturer’s standards. Generally, if you notice any signs of worn rotors, you might need a replacement.
Brake rotors typically last between 50,000 and 70,000 miles. However, the actual mileage can vary greatly depending on the road conditions, rotor quality, the type of brake pads, vehicle weight and size, and other aspects affecting the amount of friction and its wear on the rotors.
If your rotors are still in good condition, you might not have to replace them when replacing worn brake pads. However, installing fresh brake pads with new rotors can provide optimal braking performance. Your brake pads affect the surfaces of your current rotors. Installing new brake pads over the existing rotors doesn’t match the distinct wear pattern, which can affect the braking quality.
Your rotors can give you one or more signs of excessive or borderline wear. If you notice any of the signs below, it’s time for a professional to perform a tune-up or inspect your braking system and possibly replace your rotors.
If you hear screeching or grinding noises when applying the brakes, your rotors might be due for replacement. Excessive wear, surface grooves, uneven wear, and distortion can cause rotors to make unpleasant noises when the brake pads grip against them.
Your rotors might be worn or warped if your steering wheel vibrates while braking. An uneven rotor surface causes inconsistent braking pad gripping action, which sends vibrations to your steering wheel. Experts at Ed Hicks Nissan can help quickly diagnose rotor distortion, wear, or other issues with your braking system.
Besides the steering wheel, you might also feel vibrations or pulsing in the brake pedal while braking if your rotors are worn or distorted. This effect is more pronounced when braking at higher speeds.
Once you notice an increase in braking distance, your brake pads or rotors likely need to be replaced. At first, this can feel like your car needs more pedal effort to stop. The more wear your brake pads and rotors sustain, the longer the stopping distance can get.
After enduring intense heat from brake friction, rotors can get burnt orange or blue discoloration due to material oxidation. This can sometimes indicate rotor damage due to excessive heat, including deformation.
You are more likely to get discolored rotors if you live in mountainous areas with steep slopes because you’ll often apply the vehicle’s brakes for a prolonged period.
Some corrosion is normal on vehicle rotors. If you don’t drive your car for a while, the rotors will rust. As soon as you apply your brakes for the first time, that rust may wear off. However, excessively deep corrosion can compromise the rotors. If your car was parked for a long time, you might need to replace the rotors, depending on their previous condition.
Rotors develop groves and scratch marks with use, but most importantly, they’ll get thinner. If your rotors are nearing the minimum thickness as stamped by the manufacturer, they are due for replacement.
If your car has an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), you might get a warning ABS light with any braking system issues, including bad rotors.
We highly recommend bringing your car in for brake inspection as soon as you notice any signs of worn-out or bad rotors and brake pads. The braking system is one of the most critical parts of your vehicle. Braking with bad rotors can be unpredictable and increase the likelihood of an incident.
Rotors are an essential part of your braking system and shouldn’t be ignored. Regularly replacing them according to the service schedule outlined in your owners’ manual is crucial for helping ensure your brakes remain in great shape. If you’re experiencing problems with your brakes or if it’s time for a rotor replacement, schedule a service or visit Ed Hicks Nissan in Corpus Christi for expert brake repair and service. Choosing your local dealership for service means you get expert service and quality, OEM parts.
