How do I know if my rotors are bad?

Brake rotors are metal discs that work with brake pads and calipers to slow the vehicle. Brake rotors are bolted directly to the wheel hub, so they rotate in direct proportion to wheel speed.

The brake pads and rotors (or discs) of any vehicle are essential because they allow the vehicle to slow and stop when you depress the brake pedal. Each time you depress the brake pedal, the pads are pressed against the rotating rotors, slowing the vehicle. As the rotors use friction from direct contact with the pads to slow the vehicle, all that friction causes wear on the pads and rotors. Sooner or later, you'll begin to notice some of the resulting symptoms. Once you experience these symptoms, you should have your brake pads and/or rotors replaced as soon as possible.

How do I know if my rotors are damaged?

When rotors have a problem, they usually produce one of the following 5 symptoms to alert the driver that they need attention.

Noisy brakes

One of the first symptoms commonly associated with bad rotors is noise. If the rotors are deformed (i.e., not perfectly flat) or badly worn, they can produce squealing or grinding noises.

Generally, deformed rotors produce a squealing noise, while badly worn rotors produce a scraping noise. However, squealing can also be caused by worn brake pads.

You probably won't be able to tell whether it's bad pads or bad rotors until a mechanic checks your brake system.

Car vibrates when braking

If you feel vibrations when you step on the brake pedal, this is due to worn or deformed brake rotors. These are often irregular vibrations felt in the brake pedal itself, and sometimes in the steering wheel or vehicle chassis.

In addition, the brake pedal may feel like it is pulsing when depressed due to deformed brake rotors. This occurs because the pedal is no longer in contact with the rotor surface.

Brake pedal vibrates

In addition, the brake pedal may feel like it is pulsing when depressed due to the deformed brake rotors. This occurs because the pedal is no longer in contact with the rotor surface. This phenomenon is similar to the vibration symptoms of defective brake rotors, but you'll be able to tell the difference by the pulsating sensation in your foot.

Grooves or scoring on the rotor

Another symptom of bad or failed rotors is the appearance of scratches or grooves on the rotor face.

Repeated contact with brake pads can cause these marks to develop over time. Rotors are designed to have a thickness that will wear down over time. However, when they deteriorate to a certain degree, it reduces the overall safety of the vehicle.

Poor stopping distance

If you're not sure if you have bad brake pads, you'll know if your brakes don't respond quickly enough when you step on the brake pedal. When the pedal no longer interacts with the brake rotor, the resulting vibration can make it feel like the car isn't stopping at all. When your pads are badly worn and there's simply not enough material left on them, it's harder for them to slow down the spinning rotors when pressed against them.

This means it will be harder for the vehicle to slow down when you want it to. The inability to stop or even increased stopping distances can be very dangerous, especially if the driver is forced to make an emergency stop.

Brake rotors are a very important part of the braking system and as such are essential to vehicle safety and handling. If you suspect that your rotors are worn or damaged, have the vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic to determine if your vehicle needs a brake rotor/disc replacement.

How long do rotors last?

How long do rotors last? That depends. Several factors, such as the size of your vehicle, your driving style and the quality of the brakes, contribute to the life of your brakes. Generally, brake rotors last between 30,000 and 70,000 miles.

Brake pad replacement costs

The average cost to replace brake pads is between $50 and $150. Sometimes it can even reach $200 to $300, depending on the type of car you own. In addition, you must factor in the labor costs associated with the replacement service.

These costs generally range from $80 to $110 per hour of labor. The brake pad replacement job should take the mechanic around 1-2 hours. This means that the total cost of the brake pad replacement will be between $150 and $400.