Brake rotors are probably not a common word you might have come across compared to brake or brake pads. However, brake rotors are also part of your vehicle if you didn’t know. Brake rotors are related to brakes, as the name suggests, and helps to produce friction, but every part of your vehicle has an average lifetime. Hence, in this article, you will learn the average lifetime of brake rotors.
A brake rotor is a rotating disc inside your vehicle that moves along with your car. When you step on the brake rotor to stop your vehicle, the caliper squeezes the pads against the rotating brake rotor, causing friction, and depending on the pressure given to the brake pads, and your vehicle will slow down or stop.
With time, your brake rotors will not be as effective as they used to be; you might experience the difference while driving because of the heat produced when the friction is created. The more pressure is given, the more the conflict is made, and over time, the heat causes your brake system to wear off.
Type of Brake Rotors
Before you find out the average lifetime of brake rotors, understanding the different types of brake rotors will help you give you a deeper understanding.
Given below are the types of rotors explained in detail,
Two-Piece rotors
The two-piece rotors, also known as the floating disc, have two pieces that have a float mount system. The two-piece brake rotors are not commonly seen in braking systems but are great for hot conditions.
The disc in this rotor also expands and has good heat dissipation as the two rings in the rotors are not separated; hence one piece of the rotor isn’t subjected to heat as much as the other, which lets the piece remain cooler. The two-piece rotor is cheap and lighter, giving a quicker acceleration and stopping faster.
Smooth
The smooth brake rotor is a single disc made of metal, where the brake pad is entirely in contact with all of the soft brake rotor disc and, as a result, can wear off quicker than other brake rotors. It is the most common brake rotor and is also called the standard brake rotor, seen in most vehicles. Smooth brake rotors are not suitable for aggressive driving, but this can be seen in cars like the luxury car cruiser.
Slotted
Slotted brake rotors have slots and are one solid metal that adds strength to the rotor. The slotted brake rotor also has a surface that reduces contact with the brake pads. As a result, it builds less heat and has areas for the dust to escape because of the slot.
Drilled
The drilled brake rotor has holes drilled in the disc for the heat to dissipate quickly. It also helps prevent gas build-up and works well in wet conditions; because the water does not fill the brake rotors but instead escapes through the holes and can be easily stopped. However, the durability of the slotted brake is less as the holes in the disc may not be effective in maintaining the strength and tends to crack.
Slotted and drilledÂ
The brake rotor is a combined version of both the brake rotors, which can double the benefit of having a brake rotor. The two versions combined will reduce the heat built up in the brake rotor. And give strength to the slot brake rotor. But the mixed version of the slot and the drilled brake rotor is expensive compared to other brake rotors.
What Is The Average Lifetime Of Brake Rotors?
They were landing at the main point of the average lifetime of brake rotors. The brake rotors have a lifespan between 48,280 km – 112,654 km (30,000 – 70,000 miles). But you will understand that the lifespan of a brake rotor depends on how the driver drives the vehicle type of brake rotor is used, and the car.
How To Know You Need A New Brake Rotor?
Your vehicle might show signs that you need new brake rotors. You might have experienced the following in your car if you had ever changed your brake rotors.
- The steering wheel or brake paddles vibrate with pulses
- A high pitched squealing or screeching noise in your vehicle
- Grinding noise when you press the brake paddles
How to Extend The Life Of Brake Rotor?
The average lifespan of your brake rotor is affected by many factors. Below are a few tips that will give you an insight into how you can extend the lifetime and improve the condition of your brake rotors; by following a few steps in your everyday driving.
- Your driving style plays a significant impact on your brake rotors. If you are aggressive and exceed the speed limits, the chances for hard brakes are high; which produces a lot of heat in the brake rotor disc, reducing the life expectancy of the brake rotors. It is also recommended to use one foot while driving to press the pedals.
Also, maintaining a distance between vehicles while driving can stop the sudden brakes. Inconsistent brakes in between and reduce your brake rotor’s lifetime.
- It is better to take easy and smooth routes than hilly areas, bumpy roads, and rough surfaces that disturb your brake rotors
- The tires and the brake system work together, and one another relies on each other to stop your vehicle when you press the brake pads. Hence if your tires are not in good condition, your brake rotors have to work hard to produce the friction building more heat. As a result, wear off your brake rotors.
Conclusion
In final thoughts, we gave a rough study on the types of brake rotors, the average lifetimes of brakes, how to identify if you need brake rotors, and finally, how to extend the lifespan of your brake rotors.
The brake rotors are an essential part of the brake system; which is necessary for your vehicle and cannot be neglected. A brake rotor in good condition ensures safe driving, preventing you from accidents.
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