When do rotors need replacing

Why is my steering wheel vibrating? When that warping happens: Applying the brakes activates the brake pads. The brake pads make contact with the warped rotors. Your steering wheel vibrates — the sensation is also described as shuddering or pulsing — because the pads are following the contours of the warped rotors.

If your steering wheel is giving you vigorous handshakes, a rotor replacement may be in order. Where is that screeching noise coming from? In a sense, warped or worn rotors produce sound the same way a vinyl record does. How come my rotors are now blue? If you drive a heavy vehicle like an SUV, expect a shorter brake rotor life than a lighter-weight vehicle.

The heavier a vehicle is, the greater the force needed to stop it. In most modern cars, the front axles usually carry a heavier load than the rear axles because the engine is mounted at the front and adds to the weight there. Since the front axles are heavier, they require a greater braking force. So, the brake disc set and other brake components in the front of the car will usually wear out faster than those at the back of the vehicle.

You hit the brakes to come to a halt, and you feel a tight vibration on the brake pedal and the steering wheel. If your car vibrates when you brake also known as brake pulsation , it may be a sign to replace your brake rotors. This happens because of accumulated brake pad deposits.

These deposits are brake pad material that collects on the face of your brake rotors and creates uneven spots. Brake pad deposits occur due to several factors — including a brake system subject to excessive heat, incorrectly fitted pads, and uneven clamping due to seized brake pistons. When brake system components corrode, they tend to grind against each other — causing those loud brake noises. The best way to prevent grinding noises is to pay attention to your brake wear indicator and replace your worn brake pads.

Brake rotors are constantly subjected to heavy heat, which can cause their surfaces to crack. There are two types of cracks that can occur on rotors:. The second type of crack is a crack to the edge — and is an indication that the brake rotor is at the end of its life. If you notice extensive damage or grooves on your brake rotor, it may be time to switch them out for a new rotor set. When your brake pads wear out heavily, the metal backing plate and rotors come into contact — damaging the rotor surface.

You should also watch out for road debris, rust, and corrosion that can damage your brake rotors. The same heat that caused such coloration may have also compromised your braking system. Like most pieces and parts in your car, brake rotors wear out over time. Also, check your service records and think back to the last time you had your brake rotors inspected and replaced.

Brake rotors generally need replacing every 15, to 70, miles, but the exact number depends on your driving style, brake pads, and vehicle. Does this help explain the strange V. E you're getting from your car? If so, it's time for a free brake inspection at your local Firestone Complete Auto Care. During your brake check, we'll determine if your vehicle needs any further brake service or repair and if so, talk to you about next steps.

Soft brakes make safe driving hard. Find out how to tell if your brakes are "soft" and what could be behind this change in braking performance. They should be replaced about every 70, miles on most vehicles. Of course, this may vary depending on your style of driving, the weight of your vehicle, the quality of the braking components, and the use of your vehicle.

Just like brake pads , brake rotors should be replaced in pairs for even stopping performance. Wondering how often do brake rotors need to be replaced?

Need a quote or got an urgent question? We'll call or text back ASAP! JavaScript is disabled in your browser. For our website to function properly, you must enable JavaScript. If you do not enable JavaScript, certain features will not function correctly. How often do Brake Rotors need to be Replaced? If you see or hear any of the following signs, it may be time to replace your brake rotors: Grooves are worn into the rotor by the brake pads Squealing, squeaking, or grinding sounds when braking Vibration or wobbling when braking.

Kerry Bannister.