Question

How do I know if my brake rotors are bad?

Answer 1

Brake rotors that have gone bad are usually either warped, cracked or just have gotten thinner as the brake pads wear them down.

Most brake rotors will easily last 100,000 to 200,000 miles and sometimes longer.

If you notice any cracks in the brake rotors or the brake rotors are warped or have gotten thin then you should replace them.

I have had a brake rotor shatter before when I failed to replace a cracked brake rotor so if you see any cracks developing in the brake rotor then replace them.

Brake rotors should be replaced in pairs.

Some people need to replace their brake rotors every 80,000 to 150,000 miles and some people may need to replace the brake rotors after every 4 sets of brake pads.

If you do a lot of towing with your vehicle then you may need to replace your brake rotors much sooner than someone who does no towing or hardly any towing at all.

Answer 2

The brake rotors are a metal disc that is attached to the wheel hub of the vehicle.

The brake caliper sits over the brake rotor and when you press the brake pedal the brake pads make contact with the brake rotor and stop the vehicle through friction.

Discs or rotors work by pads that clamp down on the rotor to create friction to slow your vehicle.

The pads indeed wear out first.

The rotor's primary function is to absorb that friction.

The more worn down your rotors are, the less heat they can absorb at one time, which results in longer stopping times.