Have you ever considered that your brake rotors will be slightly worn down every single time your foot engages the brakes? With the consistent contact between the brake pads and rotor, many feel it is important to resurface their rotors periodically while others feel it is not necessary. In a debate that includes such high stakes as brake functionality, it is a matter we should get to the bottom of.
Do new brake rotors need to be resurfaced? New brake rotors will not need to be resurfaced as they are freshly pristine without any of the worn-down blemishes and corrosion that can cause brake issues. You may need to resurface your old brake rotors when you replace the brake pads, but only if they are cracked, uneven, or warped from extended use and extreme heat.
Resurfacing your rotors does not need to be an overwhelming predicament, but your safety needs to be at the forefront of every decision you make in vehicle maintenance. This quick read will guide you on all of the most commonly asked rotor resurfacing questions such as price, frequency to resurface, and if it’s a better option to completely replace your rotors.
Do New Brake Rotors Need to Be Resurfaced?
Since resurfacing is a process that essentially grinds off the top layer of your rotor and exposes a shiny, new, and thinner version – it is not the best option for all rotors.
If your rotor fits perfectly, you don’t want to thin it out too ferociously, or you risk minimizing the contact with the brake pads. The key to high-functioning brakes is that the brake pads make tight and firm contact with the rotor.
The reason it is so important for there to be a snug fit between the brake pads and rotor is that each engagement with your brakes will cause the brake pads to essentially polish the rotor. This removes dirt, rust, corrosion, moisture, and other damaging elements that can wear on your brakes overtime or cause pitting.
Without this firm contact that is well-fitted, the rotor will not be properly cleaned by the brake pads, which will lead to a premature replacement and expensive repairs.
If your rotor is too large for your vehicle, then it would be in your best interest to resurface the rotor and shave it down slightly, but it is better to begin with rotors that fit properly.
Warning Signs of Rotor Issues
Your car will communicate to you when there is an issue with the rotors, whether they are new or old.
Some of the major warning signs that may mean it’s time to resurface your rotors are:
- You feel shaking or a vibration when you brake. This can be your vehicle overcompensating for ill-fitting brake pads or brake rotor. It can also mean that your rotor is growing old, tired, and wearing out on you.
- The incessant squeaking. If your neighbors are starting to stare every time you pull in and out of the driveway, or you cringe every time you brake – this is an obvious sign that something is wrong with your brakes. The squeaking can often indicate that the rotors are warped or overly worn down from overuse.
The squeaking is another overcompensation for your vehicle attempting to make it ‘work,’ but you’ll have to confirm if your rotor is just grinding or if it’s worn down. In the case of it being severely worn down, you don’t want to resurface it and thin it down even further. You’ll have to diagnose the squeaking on a case-by-case basis as this can be the symptom of many issues.
How Often to Resurface Your Brake Rotors?
The lifetime of a well-built rotor of standard quality should be between 30,000 to 70,000 miles. This is how often it will need to be replaced, but resurfacing will only be required if your rotor is warped or uneven.
With an average of 50,000 miles on this, it will depend on a plethora of factors including but not limited to:
- The weight you tow (how many passengers and weight)
- The size of your vehicle
- How hard you are on your brakes (driving softly vs. braking firmly often)
- Brand and reputation of Manufacturer
- Brake quality and price
- If you go uphill or live in a mountainous area with steep inclines
Rotors can often last over 100,000 miles, but this is not the average because most people are ‘harder’ on their vehicle than this lifespan permits.
You can also know it’s time to resurface your rotors if there are severe braking issues such as an ill-fitting rotor, brake pads, or you notice corrosion around your brakes causing squeaking, grinding, etc.
Many are of the opinion that you do not need to resurface your rotors, only replace them when the time comes.
This is a personal decision and up to each car owner, but if there is dirt, buildup, corrosion, or an ill-fitting rotor, many find that resurfacing will extend the lifespan of your initial rotor investment. Here is a guide for determining if Your Rotor Needs to be Replaced.
How Much Does It Cost to Resurface Rotors?
There are many affordable options for rotor resurfacing, and it is not something you should manage yourself unless you are highly familiar with vehicles and mechanics. It can be a difficult process that involves removing the wheels and sometimes even the steering wheel and should only be done by a professional with extensive knowledge.
The average cost, “to resurface rotors is between $235 and $329. Labor costs are estimated between $158 and $200 while parts are priced between $77 and $129,” according to Repair Pal.
However, there are many options, and it will depend on the area you live in and the economy of that area.
Other distributors that offer affordable rotor resurfacing (as well as some brands that you might think would resurface your rotor, but won’t) are:
- Firestone, “will perform a free brake check and inspect the health of your brake rotors. If brake rotors have significant wear or are warped, they can be resurfaced or replaced.”
- Pep Boys offers a ‘PREMIUM ON-CAR ROTOR RESURFACE,’ for $40.00 online.
- You can purchase the parts from Walmart Autobody but, “Walmart Auto Care Centers don’t offer brake services. That means Walmart does not replace brakes or brake pads. … You can, however, purchase brake pads, brake rotors, brake calipers, and/or brake pad and rotor kits from a Walmart store or on Walmart.com and install them yourself,” describes First Quarter Finance.
- Similarly to Walmart, if you don’t plan to do the labor yourself, you can save a trip to AutoZone. The useful investigators at First Quarter Finance state, “No, AutoZone doesn’t turn/resurface rotors, replace rotors, turn or replace brake drums, or replace brake pads or shoes. However, AutoZone does sell the parts required to complete these brake service jobs yourself. Nationwide service chains that turn rotors and more include Jiffy Lube and O’Reilly Auto Parts.”
Final Verdict: Resurface or Just Replace?
Many feel that resurfacing is unnecessary, and you should simply hold out for a complete replacement at the same time that you are replacing the brake pads. However, this is incorrect because you do not always need to replace the entire rotor every time you replace the brake pads, contrary to some people’s belief.
It is best to consult an autobody shop that is reputable in your area and that you trust. They can inspect your vehicle and advise you on the proper course of action because oftentimes, it will be cheaper to replace the entire rotor instead of resurfacing it.
The only time it is necessary to resurface your rotor is if they are oversized or require smoothing out to diminish the effects of warping due to extreme heat or ill-care. If your rotor suits the minimum thickness and spins smoothly, you do not need to resurface your rotors. Resurfacing needs to be taken on a case-by-case basis, and only if your trusted autobody specialist recommends that you do so. If not, don’t worry about it because it can easily be taken care of at the time of inspection!
