Disc brake rotors are metal discs that work together with the brake pads and calipers to slow down your vehicle. When you press down on your brake pedal, the calipers squeeze the brake pads against the spinning rotors to slow and stop the wheels on your vehicle. Because the rotors work to slow down your vehicle by using friction from direct contact with your brake pads, eventually they will wear out and need to be replaced. Some warning signs that you might need a brake rotor replacement at your Burke, VA, brake service center are:
- Noisy brakes—If your rotors are warped or severely worn, they will usually produce a squealing or squeaking sound. Warped rotors will produce a squeaking sound whereas severely worn rotors will produce a scraping sound.
- Brake Vibration—During a brake service, your technician may notice a visual scoring or grooves on the face of your vehicle’s rotor. This happens because of repeated contact with your brake pads. These scoring or grooves in your rotor can take away the capacity to slow down your vehicle which will cause a vibration and pulsation that you can feel when you push down on your brake pedal. When this happens, you need to have a brake rotor replacement done by your Burke, VA, brake service center.
During your yearly brake service in Burke, VA, your technician should measure the thickness of your brake rotors. Brake rotors usually last twice as long as your brake pads, so you should have a brake rotor replacement done at every other brake service. Whenever you have your brake rotors replaced, you must have new brake pads as well. Driving with worn out brake pads for too long will also destroy your rotors so make sure you have these replaced when needed to prolong the life of your rotors.
Disc brake rotors are an important part of your braking system and are critical to the safety and handling of your vehicle. If you have regularly scheduled brake service in Burke, VA, performed on your vehicle, your technician should be on the lookout for signs when you need a brake rotor replacement.
