Check Brake Rotors: Here’s What To Look For

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If the braking system malfunctions, it can lead to accidents that can prove fatal. Thus, it is the primary responsibility of the driver to ensure that the system is intact and is not a threat to the people on the road. This blog is dedicated to brake rotors, their importance, why to check brake rotors, and what to check.

Functions of brake rotors

• Heat dissipation: Significant amounts of kinetic energy are transformed into heat during braking. It is essential for brake rotors to effectively dissipate this heat to keep the braking system from overheating. Brake fade, which can happen when brakes get too hot and lose their effectiveness, is prevented by proper heat dissipation, which also helps to maintain constant braking performance.
• Smooth braking: Smooth and predictable braking is made possible by the brake rotors' flat and smooth surface, which guarantees even and constant contact with the brake pads. This quality is essential for a smooth and safe driving experience.
• Friction surface: The brake pads' points of contact with the brake rotors are flat, smooth surfaces. By applying hydraulic pressure to the brake pedal, friction is produced as the brake pads are forced against the rotors. The main mechanism for slowing and stopping the vehicle is friction.

Why check brake rotors?

Before diving into checking the brake rotors, it's important to understand why you need to check them in the first place.

• Safety reasons: Brake rotor wear or damage can make it harder for your car to stop swiftly and safely. By ensuring that your brakes are still functional in emergency situations, routine inspections help to avoid accidents.
• Smoother brakes: Rotor maintenance results in more reliable and consistent braking performance. When braking, damaged or uneven rotors might produce vibrations, pulsations, or noise, which can be uncomfortable and impair driving control.
• Saves you money: Early detection of rotor problems can prevent more significant damage to other brake parts, ultimately saving you money. Rotor issues that go unattended could cost a lot to fix or replace.

Tools required to check brake rotors

A list of tools that are used while checking the brake system of the car is given below.

• Gloves and safety gear
• Flashlights
• Jack and Jack stand
• Lug wrench
• Car owner’s manual

What should I look for while checking brake rotors?

• Variations in thickness: To detect differences, measure the rotor thickness several times around its circumference. Decreased braking efficacy and uneven pad wear are two consequences of significant thickness variations.
• Look out for cracks: Check the rotor for cracks, paying specific attention to the hub, deep grooves, and scoring. Replace the rotor if there are any cracks because they could weaken it and endanger safety.
• Surface wear: Look for deep grooves, scoring, or wear on the rotor's surface. The effectiveness of the brakes can be hampered by excessive wear or damage. Replace the rotors if you can visibly see severe scoring or feel deep grooves with your fingertip.
• Corroded Surface: Check the surface of the rotor for any indications of corrosion or rust, which can happen if the car is left parked in a damp or humid environment for a long time. While significant pitting may necessitate replacing the rotor, surface corrosion is frequently easy to remove and clean.
• Rotor runout: Using a dial indicator, look for rotor runout. Runout that is too great might cause brake pulsations and uneven brake pad wear. Consider resurfacing or replacing the rotors if the runout is greater than the manufacturer's recommended value.
• Heat Spots: On the surface of the rotor, look for discoloured areas that often have blue or brown hues. These hot patches show inconsistent heating and cooling, which might cause rotor deformation. When stopping, rotors that are warped may vibrate or pulse.

Conclusion

For reliable and safe braking, brake rotor maintenance and inspection are essential. To guarantee that your vehicle's braking system performs at its peak and keeps you safe on the road, take care of any problems right away.

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