What Are Brake Rotors?
Your car weighs thousands of pounds, and even in residential areas, you’re probably moving at 25 miles per hour. It takes a lot of force to bring your vehicle to a halt, which is why your brakes have a lot of moving parts. When your foot presses down on the pedal, your vehicle generates hydraulic pressure that forces your brake pads against your rotors. Your rotors are designed to be smooth in order to combat friction, but your brake pads are still going to take a hit every time they have to grip onto your wheels. This is why they’re eventually going to need to be replaced. If you ignore the issue for long enough, you also run the chance of damaging your rotors as well. If you’re near La Mesa, Poway, or Encinitas and you want to check on your vehicle, then you can bring it to us at Toyota of Poway for an inspection.
What Are a Few Symptoms of Damaged Rotors?
Some parts can wear away quietly, but your rotors aren’t one of them. When they’re worn down, they’ll practically start screaming. This usually presents as a squeaking sound, but if they’ve taken severe damage, you might even hear grinding. Bad rotors can also affect your performance on the road. If your vehicle is having trouble coming to a halt, then that’s your first sign that your brake system needs maintenance. You might also notice that your car vibrates when you brake. If you want to take a straightforward approach, then you can always check your rotors yourself. Depending on what vehicle you own, you may be able to see them through the spokes of your wheel. Damaged rotors tend to have grooves or imperfections etched into the surface. They can also have blue streaks, which is a sign of heat damage.
How Long Will My New Rotors Last?
This is a hard question to answer, as it ultimately comes down to your driving habits. If you’re constantly slamming your brakes, then you shouldn’t expect your rotors to last for very long. Generally, they will last somewhere between 30,000 and 70,000 miles though. If you’re also replacing your brake pads, then you can expect your new set to last somewhere between 20,000 and 40,000 miles. Our mechanics can handle everything from your inspection to your next installation. At Toyota of Poway, we also have a parts center. There are multiple types of brake pads and rotors out there, but our team will be able to find the set that best suits your needs on the road.
