Slotted rotors feature long 'slots' or lines in the metal surface Drilled rotors feature drilled holes around the metal surface Blank and smooth rotors are what you'll find on most passenger vehicles and feature a smooth, blank metal surface around the rotor The four different rotor types of rotors are: The rotors used on your vehicle will differ depending on whether you drive a sedan, pickup truck, or performance vehicle. In fact, there are four different types to choose from. When it comes to rotors, not all of them are made the same way. This friction slows the wheel's rotation and eventually halts your vehicle. When you step on the brake pedal, it engages the master cylinder and sends a signal to your brake caliper to clamp down on the rotor with the brake pads.Īs the brake pads squeeze against the large surface of the rotor, the resistance creates friction. In a standard disc brake system, as you find on most conventional cars today, brake pads are held in place on either side of the rotor by a caliper. Rotors work hand and hand with your brake pads to bring your vehicle to a stop. You’ve just encountered your brake rotor. Peer through the spokes on your hub cap, and you’ll see a circular disc connected to the wheel. What to expect after replacing brake pads and rotors.How much do new brake pads and rotors cost?.What are your options for brake pad and rotor replacement?.How do you know if you need new brake rotors?.Signs that you need your brake rotors replaced include grooves or ridges on the surface of the rotor, pulsating or shaking when you stop, grinding noise when braking, corrosive rust on the rotor, or thinned-out rotors.While modern brake rotors can last between 20,000 to 70,000 miles, it is essential to inspect your brake system regularly and look out for warning signs Brake rotors can wear out quickly, and their lifespan depends on various factors such as rotor quality, durability, brake pad type, driving conditions, climate, and braking manner.Brake rotors work with brake pads to stop a vehicle, and there are four types of rotors: Blank & Smooth, Drilled, Slotted, and Drilled & Slotted.Alternatively, resurfacing rotors is an option but may reduce their durability and accelerate brake pad wear. If a mechanic identifies rotors as warped or excessively worn, they'll advise replacing them with new brake pads. Rotor replacement frequency is influenced by rotor quality and driving conditions. Replacing rotors isn't always necessary when changing brake pads. You may do a lot of driving down gravel roads or live in a harsh climate where the roads are regularly salted to melt ice.Ĭhances are, you’ll need new rotors sooner than someone with the exact vehicle who lives in a mild climate with little exposure to extreme driving conditions. Depending on where you live, your car will be exposed to different elements resulting in varying levels of corrosion, dirt, or debris. Rotor quality ranges from exceptional to questionable, and that will have a lot to do with how often they will need to be replaced alongside brake pads.ĭriving conditions will also influence the durability of your brake rotors. Like brake pads, there are a lot of different brands and types of rotors out there. How often you need to replace your brake rotors concerning your brake pads depends on many variables, such as the quality and durability of your original brake components and where, when, and how often you drive your vehicle. When replacing your brake pads and rotors, you generally have three options: replace the brake pads, resurface the rotors, or replace both the pads and rotors at once. Resurfacing rotors is another option, but it may decrease rotor durability and wear away brake pads faster. However, if your mechanic finds warped or worn rotors beyond the minimum discard thickness, they recommend replacing them together with brake pads. The frequency of rotor replacement depends on factors like rotor quality and driving conditions.

You don't always have to replace rotors when replacing brake pads. Do you have to replace rotors when replacing brake pads?

Hawk break pads