How Often Should You Replace Your Brake Pads & Rotors?

When it comes to your vehicles brakes a pretty common question that is asked is “Do I need to replace my rotors when I have my brake pads replaced?” What it comes down to is that there is not one set answer to that question. While your vehicle’s rotors are one of the most durable parts of your car and generally last between 30,00-70,000 miles, there are many different factors that can contribute to their damage or need for replacement.

What Are Brake Rotors?

Your brake rotors consist of a metal surface that your brake pads press against creating heat and friction to help your vehicle come to a stop. Rotors are designed to ensure that the heat and friction created by the brake pads is dispersed evenly throughout the vehicle’s entire braking system to help the system from overheating. Repeated friction on your vehicle’s brake rotors causes damage over time, especially when driving in the city and on highways like those found here in Phoenix. The constant stop and go of traffic signals, stop signs and freeway traffic means there is repetitive friction on your brake’s pads and rotors leading to easier and more frequent damage.

What Are Brake Pads?

Brake pads are designed to be the first thing to wear down when it comes to your braking system. These pads press against the rotor to help stop the vehicle. The heat and friction that is produced from the pad pressing against the rotor to stop the vehicle is also what helps to wear down the brake pads. Should you suspect an issue with your brakes or notice any worn brake signs it is extremely important that you schedule a brake inspection with a reputable mechanic sooner rather than later.

When To Get a Brake Inspection

Another common question that we hear a lot of is “what does a brake inspection include and when should I get one?” First and foremost if you begin to notice that it seems that it takes longer for your vehicle to come to a complete stop when using the brakes, chances are you are in need of a brake inspection and most likely new brake pads. Remember the longer you wait to schedule an inspection the more damage that can be done to both your rotors and entire braking system. If you hear squealing, grinding, or vibrating coming from your brakes there is a significant chance that you have rotor damage, which can end up being quite costly

What’s Included In A Brake Inspection

Brake Pads

A certified mechanic will take a look at your brake pads and inspect them for any wear or damage. Should he notice that they are in need of repair he will replace those with the permission of the customer.

Brake Lines

Next the mechanic will inspect the vehicle’s brake lines looking for any leaks big or small. While a small brake fluid leak may not cause huge issues it can affect the braking system and left unrepaired can cause serious damage over time.

Rotors

Here is where your rotors come in. The mechanic will next inspect your rotors for any groves, rough spots, or difference in thickness. The rotors are meant to be perfectly flat to help minimize the wear down of the brake pads. Should the mechanic find some damage he may be able to spin the rotors so that the brake pads on your vehicle only come into contact with the flat parts of the rotor. If there is significant damage or if the universal thickness of the entire rotor is compromised then the rotor must be replaced. When it comes to brake repair this what we try to avoid because replacing your rotors can become quite costly.

Maintaining Car Brakes For Safety

There are a number of different factors that can affect the wear down of your vehicle’s braking system. city driving, the weight of the vehicle along with cargo and passenger weight, driving habits and the quality of the original rotors can all aid in the wearing down of your brake rotors. This is why it is important that you have your brakes inspected immediately after noticing any changes or signs in your braking system. Just like oil changes and other preventative maintenance, car brake inspections are just as important when it comes to keeping your vehicle safe and operating at its best.