Bringing your car to a stop is a vital part of staying safe while behind the wheel. Most car owners fail to realize just how many components have to work together in order for the braking system to work. The rotors are the discs of metal that mount behind the wheels of the car. When the brake pedal is pressed down, the calipers will push down on the pads, which will then use the rotors as the resistance needed to stop the vehicle. The rotors on the vehicle are only used when the brake pedal is pushed down.
Due to the amount of use that the brake rotors get, they will have to be replaced over time. The brake rotors on a car usually last anywhere between 50,000 and 70,000 miles. The constant friction of the brake pads can create a lot of heat. If the rotors are really hot and then water from a puddle is thrown on them, it can cause them to warp. The only way to fix a warped rotor is by getting it replaced. Usually, there will be a variety of signs that you may notice when there are issues with your braking system.
Since the brake rotors play such a large role in the overall braking power the car has, it will be very noticeable when there is an issue with them. Usually, the professionals that are hired to fix the braking issues you are experiencing will measure the thickness of the rotors. In some instances, the rotors can be turned to remove the wear spots that they have if they are not too worn out. Here are some of the things that you may notice when your brake rotors are in need of replacement:
- Noticeable squealing or roaring noises when trying to stop the car
- A vibration when trying to bring the car to a stop
- Noticeable scratches or spots on the rotors
- Grooves worn into the rotors
- The car pulls to one side when trying to brake
Getting the issues with the brake rotors on your car fixed quickly will help to reduce the amount of damage that they do.
