Brake pads and rotors are key components of your brake system. These parts take the brunt of the heat and pressure when you press down on the brake pedal and require regular care and attention to perform at their best. Understanding how these parts work and the maintenance required is key to keeping your vehicle’s brake system in good condition.
What Are Brake Pads?
Brake pads are flat discs that are mounted in a hydraulic clamp known as a caliper. When you apply pressure to the brakes, the master cylinder puts pressure on the caliper. The caliper, in turn, pushes the brake pads into the brake rotor.
The brake pads absorb heat and energy in the braking process. Brake pads can be made of various materials. All are designed to maximize friction, as this friction converts the vehicle’s kinetic energy into heat to help stop the car. Common options for brake pads include:
- Ceramic brake pads: Ceramic brake pads are often used in high-performance vehicles because they’re very effective at handling high levels of heat. The ceramic is durable, lightweight, and long-lasting.
- Semi-metallic brake pads: Semi-metallic brake pads are a common option for modern vehicles. These brake pads are made from steel, copper, brass, and graphite shavings bonded together with resin. They are economical and fairly long-lasting, but the metal will wear other parts of your brake system. Semi-metallic brakes are heavy and may decrease your fuel efficiency slightly. They take a while to warm up, which can cause a delay in your vehicle’s response time when you’re driving in a cold climate.
- Organic brake pads: Organic brake pads are made from rubber, glass, and Kevlar bonded with resin. These pads are an eco-friendly option for your vehicle, but they have a shorter lifespan than other options and don’t perform as well. Organic brake pads are best suited to lightweight vehicles.
Over time, this friction wears down the brake pads, making them less efficient. You need to replace your brake pads regularly to keep the brake system working properly.
What Are Rotors?
Rotors work alongside your brake pads to stop your vehicle effectively. As mentioned above, when you press the brake pedal, your brake pads are compressed against the rotors. These rotors are comprised of two iron discs with ribs connecting them. The ribs facilitate the dissipation of heat so the rotors can cool down efficiently.
There are two different types of rotors:
- Drilled Rotors: These rotors have holes drilled into a pattern designed to allow heat, water, and gas to escape. While the holes do allow these things to pass away from the rotors, they decrease the available surface area for the brake pads to press against. Drilled rotors are susceptible to cracking.
- Slotted Rotors: Slotted rotors have diagonal ridges along the surface that let heat, water, and gas flow away. These rotors are more durable than drilled rotors, but they cause the brake pads to wear down more quickly.
When Should You Replace Brake Pads and Rotors?
Typically, brake pads are the first part of your brake system that you need to replace. You can replace your brake pads without having the rest of your brake system serviced, but this isn’t recommended. Since the brake pads and rotors work together, many mechanics advise that you also replace them together. Your auto technician should always inspect your rotors when changing your brake pads to assess their condition. If the rotors are in good condition, measure more than the minimum thickness, and are not warped, you may be able to continue using them with new brake pads.
If you choose to replace only your brake pads and your rotors are not in good condition, you may experience uneven wear on the existing rotors. The new pads may not fit the shape that your rotors have worn down into, which will cause the car to shake and make noise when you’re braking.
If you’re not ready to replace your rotors completely, the next best option is to resurface them. Resurfacing is the process of removing a thin layer from the front and rear of the rotors, creating a smooth surface for the brake pads to press against. While resurfacing will provide better friction between the brake pads and rotors, it thins the rotors, which will cause them to wear down more quickly.
The most comprehensive option is to have your brake pads and rotors changed together. Brake pads typically need to be replaced every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, but this can vary greatly depending on the type of brake pads and rotors you have, the make and model of your vehicle, the driving conditions in your area, and your typical driving habits.
How Do You Know If Your Brake Pads and Rotors Are in Trouble?
There are many indicators that will let you know when it’s time for new brake pads and rotors. Pay attention to your vehicle’s performance and watch out for these warning signs:
- Screeching and squealing: Brake pads feature a metallic shim indicator that makes a loud screeching noise when you’re braking. This shim is only exposed when the brake pads have been worn down to a hazardous level.
- Growling or grinding: If your brake pads are worn down to the point where the calipers and brake discs are making contact, you’ll hear the sound of metal grinding against metal. This grinding is extremely dangerous and can cause serious damage to your brake system, so you should have a mechanic address this issue right away.
- Brake pad indicator: Some vehicles have a brake pad indicator light on the dash. Always check your manual to identify the problem if there’s a warning light illuminated in your car.
You should always have your brakes serviced by an experienced professional who can properly assess the condition of your rotors and make sure your brake system is operating safely. Our service center at Wendle Ford can help you maintain your brakes and keep your brake pads and rotors in good condition.
Featured Image via Flickr by Dave Linger
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