DO YOU NEED TO CHANGE ROTORS WITH BRAKE PAD REPLACEMENTS?
This is a question that comes up a lot when you go for a brake pad replacement as brakes of a car are its most important part. A driver’s safety depends on the condition of the brakes.
Basic Information About Brake Pads And Rotors
Most of the auto-repair shops and mechanics would suggest you change the rotors when you change your brake pads. It is necessary to do so as well taking into consideration a few other factors. All types of cars have rotors and to change all four of them can be quite expensive and not everyone can afford to do it frequently. Rotors generally have to be replaced after 15000 – 70000 miles. It also depends on your driving style as the way you apply brakes, the type of traffic conditions you drive in are all among the factors which affect the brake pads and rotors.
What To Do
Even though brakes pad and rotors work together, they are different parts and wear-out differently which makes it important to inspect each part carefully before getting it replaced.
Brake rotors need to have a certain amount of thickness for it to be considered safe. So, you need to check the thickness first. If the thickness is not as required, you should get it replaced as soon as possible. If you don’t replace the brake rotors thinking that it will still last for a while, you might observe a reduction in braking efficiency.
Precautions To Take
The other precautionary measure you can take is that when you get your brake pads replaced, you should get the rotors checked. If the surface of the rotors is uneven or looks a bit damaged, you should get the rotors surface machined to make it smooth and even. The other option here is to get the rotors turned. It will help maintain an even grip between the rotors and the brake pads. If the brake rotors are uneven or damaged, it may cause it to vibrate when you apply the brakes.
Decision Is Yours
In the end, it all comes down to this, if you can afford to change the rotors, it is best to do so. It will help you get phenomenal performance and your safety will be assured. If not, then wait till it gets to the minimum level to be considered safe and then get it changed.