Brake Rotors: Everything You Need to Know
Consisting of two iron discs connected by ribs, rotors are an integral part of your vehicle’s braking system. When your car’s wheels are spinning, these clamp down to bring them to a halt.
Generally speaking, standard discs are flat and smooth without slotting or drillings, unlike in the case of performance rotors. When the brake is stepped on, the pads get compressed against the disc, which creates friction. This friction is exactly what allows your vehicle to stop, while simultaneously creating a massive amount of heat.
Two types of high-performance rotors
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Drilled – These have holes bored into them for heat to escape. When brake pads press against them, the friction creates heat and needs to be expelled from somewhere. The result can be a ‘fade’ if the heat has nowhere to go, which is the term used to describe the temporary reduction or complete loss of power of a vehicle's braking system. In this instance, a big brake kit is required to upgrade the existing set-up. Additionally, holes let water drain from these after driving through wet conditions. It is important to remember that damp rotors make it harder for the pads to grab onto them.
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Slotted – These have slots in the flat metal surface to move water, gas and heat away from the discs. These enable more of the pad's surface area to contact the disc, resulting in better pad bite and more consistent stops. These are the more durable option.
How do rotors wear out?
There are many indicators of wear and tear, some of which can also affect brake lines. Whilst some are more complex than others, there is nothing Pro Speed Racing can’t help with. Here are a few factors that contribute to damage:
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Poor quality standard: If the materials used by the manufacturer during the construction, treating and distribution processes are poor quality, they’re not going to last as long.
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Physical characteristics: Whether these parts are solid, drilled, slotted, or vented, this will affect their heat dissipation capacities differently.
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Quality of the pads: Driving with cheap, hard pads or pads not properly installed will cause damage.
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Driving style and environment: Flat roads, off roading, inclines, aggressive driving and extreme environments (think intense heat or winter cold) all cause quicker damage.
Our top replacement tips
Parts like this should be checked at every maintenance and service your car receives. Here are some other ways to gauge if it’s time for a replacement:
- After pressing the brake pedal, you can feel a vibration in the steering wheel and/or the pedal.
Please note: Severe steering wheel vibration is typically a result of a failing suspension component, and not related to a rotor issue.
- Brakes produce loud noises when used.
- Surface cracks are appearing.
- The working surface is damaged or grooved.
The most surefire way to determine whether it’s time for replacement is to measure the physical thickness to determine if these are too thin. The minimum thickness can be found in the vehicle’s service book. If you’re still not sure, give us a call and we can help you find the best option.
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