What Are the Signs of Bad Rotors?

How do you know when your brake rotors are going out? Since your brake system is integral to your vehicle’s overall safety, it’s important that you understand what’s cause for alarm and what can be left to deal with another day. Here’s how to tell it’s time to check your brake rotors in Athens County, OH.

What your brake rotors do

Your brake rotors are part of the wheel’s braking system. The brake rotor works with the calipers and brake pad to create friction and slow your car. When you brake, your brake calipers squeeze the rotors, which are protected by a brake pad. This slows the wheels down so that you can come to a complete stop.

If your brake rotors are off balance, warped or worn down, they won’t be able to function properly. Even if you’re the most cautious driver on the planet, your brake rotors will eventually wear down and need to be replaced. It’s important that you understand the signs so that you can continue to drive safely.

Signs it’s time to replace your brake rotors

Here’s what you’ll need to watch for:

• Your steering wheel vibrates when braking: Vibration when braking is never a good sign, especially when it travels all the way up to your steering wheel. When you have to brake at a high speed, the friction between the calipers, pads and rotors makes the rotors extremely hot. Over time, they warp or bend. The next time your brake calipers and pads press against the uneven rotors, they will vibrate. This means it’s time to replace your brake rotors as soon as possible.
• Screeching or squealing noise: Squealing and screeching means that the brake rotors have developed grooves and scratches from wear and tear. Squealing brakes are never a good sign, but this could be an indication the rotors need to be replaced.
• Excessive wear and tear: You can see your brake rotors if you bend down and look through the spokes in your wheel. If you see grooves and lines on the rotors (use a flashlight if it’s hard to see), it’s time to take your car in for brake rotor replacement.
• An unusual blue color: Finally, if you also see a blue color on your brake rotors, that means that excessive heat has compromised your brake rotors. Look through the spokes the same way you looked for wear and tear. This is usually prevalent in cars where the driver likes to slam on the brakes at high speeds.

Understanding the warning signs of bad brake rotors in Athens County, OH is important for your safety and comfort. If you notice any of the above signs, make sure you take your car to your local mechanic as soon as possible.

To prevent this damage, do your best to avoid braking hard at high speeds or slamming on your brakes, even at lower speeds.

Now that you understand how to know when it’s time to check for warped brake rotors in Athens County, OH, call Dana’s Tire Center for assistance.

Categorised in: Brake Service

This post was written by Writer