When to Replace Brake Rotors: Tips for Burlington Vehicle Owners
Brake rotors are a critical part of the braking system, a crucial safety feature.
Over time, brake rotors wear down due to the pressure of the brake pads when slowing or stopping. Additionally, when the brake pads wear low enough, a tab on the backing plate scrapes against the rotors, making a squealing noise to warn you that the pads are low. Girlington Garage replaces brake rotors and brake pads when they wear out, in addition to repairing other brake components.
Signs Your Vehicle’s Brakes Need Attention
Knowing when to replace the brake pads can save you the expense of replacing the rotors. In most cases, your auto technician can “turn” the rotors one time before having to replace them. Every time you change brake pads, you must turn or replace the rotors. However, if you damage the rotors by not changing the brake pads, there won’t be enough material to turn them safely, and you will have to replace them. Some vehicles have one-time-use rotors – they cannot be turned due to the material they are made from.Signs you need new brake rotors include:
Vibrating and Pulsating: You may notice a vibration in the steering wheel or brake pedal if the brake rotor is warped. Rotors can become warped if they get too hot, especially if they are thin.
Squeaking and Squealing: These noises usually happen when the tab on the brake pad’s backing plate rubs the rotors to alert you it’s time for new brakes. However, brakes can squeal if dirt gets between the pads and rotors or if the rotor wears unevenly.
Deep Scoring and Grooves: With some vehicles, you can look through the wheels and see the rotors. If you see deep grooves and scoring, it’s time to replace the pads and rotors. Because of the nature of brake pads, you will see some scoring, but it should not be highly visible or deep.
Reduced Braking Power: If you notice it takes longer to stop, you could have issues with rotors, pads, brake hoses, the ABS or the master cylinder. The brake technicians at Girlington Garage can check the brakes and replace the worn parts.
Warning Lights: If a brake or ABS warning light comes on, always have a certified technician check the brakes before you drive the vehicle any further.
How to Extend the Life of Your Vehicle’s Brake Rotors
By keeping up with regular maintenance and inspections, you can extend the life of your brake rotors and prevent premature replacement. Other tips to help increase the life of your vehicle’s brakes include:
Inspect the brake pads every 5,000 to 7,500 miles – usually when you come in for an oil change.
Avoid excessive braking, sudden stops, and riding the brake pedal, which can lead to prematurely worn rotors or even warping.
Flush the brake fluid as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. If the owner’s manual does not give you an interval for flushing the brake system, you should flush it every three to five years, depending on your driving habits.
Turn the rotors when you replace brake pads if they are still within wear limits (also known as machining or resurfacing).
When You Should Replace Brake Rotors
Even with proper maintenance, you will eventually need brake replacement. Girlington Garage can repair all components of the brake system, including brake rotors. Your auto tech looks at specific factors to determine when it’s time to replace the rotors, including:
Rotor thickness – the minimum thickness is stamped on the rotor.
The amount of scoring and grooving.
Whether the rotor is warped, cracked or otherwise damaged.
Whether the rotor is rusted and/or corroded.
After 70,000 to 80,000 miles.
Because brakes are a top safety feature, you should always have a professional work on the brake system, including replacing the rotors. At Girlington Garage, we only use quality parts and always replace the brake pads when replacing the rotors.
Need brake repair?
When it’s time for brake replacement, including brake rotors, contact Girlington Garage at 802-247-7917 to schedule an appointment. We are conveniently located at 2 Harbor View Rd., South Burlington, VT 05403.
