Brakes are undeniably one of the most important elements found in a car. I mean, seriously- imagine if your car had no brakes? It would be an accident waiting to happen the moment you stepped on the gas pedal. Ensuring that our brakes are in good standing and knowing the pieces that make up our brakes is essential to making sure they’re operating at their highest potential. Today we will break it down a bit, learning about the brake disc and what it does.
So, what is a brake disc? A brake disc is another term for a rotor. The rotor (brake disc) works hand in hand with the brake pad to help bring your car to a stop. Brake discs are critical components of your cars braking system.
The brake disc is a crucial part of the braking process, and knowing what exactly the functions are and what types of brake discs are available on the market is important. Knowing the functionality and options of brake discs will help you make the right decision when it comes to replacement, which is inevitable and some point during the life of your car.
What is a brake disc?
A brake disc is another word for a rotor. On almost every modern car you will find rotors on the front and back brakes which works with the pad design to create the friction and dissipation of heat necessary to slow down a car and ultimately bring it to a stop. There are several different types of brake discs, we will discuss in detail later in this blog.
What does a brake disc do?
When you hit the brake pedal, the elements of the brake design immediately start working together to slow your vehicle down. First and foremost, the brake pads will tighten around the brake disc (or rotor). The pads are surrounded by calipers, which are activated from the fluid found inside the master cylinder. It creates pressure, allowing for the pad to become tightened around the brake disc, an important part of the braking process.
A lot of friction will take place during the braking procedure. With this friction, the brake pad and rotor are able to transform the momentum of your vehicle moving forward into heat. This heat is then dissipated and sent up to the wheels. As the heat dissipates in the air located around your wheels, it causes the car to begin slowing down and eventually come to a stop.
As you can see, the braking process is a more in-depth mechanical movement than you probably would have thought. This is why it is so important to have brake discs and brake pads that are fully functioning and able to take on the challenge of braking. When brake pads and brake discs become faulty and need to be replaced, it should be done so immediately.
How to Know When You Need to Replace Your Brake Disc
Every car, at one point or another, will need to have the brake discs replaced. While brake discs can typically last for tens of thousands of miles, they will eventually wear down due to all of the friction and pressure they handle day in and day out.
There are many different signs and symptoms that will indicate you may need to have your rotors (brake discs) replaced. If you notice any of these signs, you need to head to your local mechanic immediately to have them checked out and replaced if needed. Sometimes these signs will indicate a smaller brake problem before reaching the rotor, in which case it is a simpler (and cheaper) fix.
Signs and symptoms of brake disc failure include the following:
- If you take a look at your brake disc and notice a groove, this is indication they need to be replaced. A brake disc should always be a completely smooth surface with no jagged marks or grooves. A groove in the rotor can be incredibly harmful, so getting it replaced as soon as possible is essential.
- Pay attention to the noise of your brakes. If you start to notice that there is a squealing or squeaking sound while you brake, there may be an issue. This might be that the brake pads need to be replaced, or that it has hit your rotors and they need to be replaced as well. If you hear a grinding noise, this indicates a more serious problem. This noise means that the brake pads have likely worn down to metal and will begin affecting the rotors.
- If your car is equipped with ABS, or anti-lock braking system, it will notify you when your brakes are too low. Pay attention to this crucial warning message, as ignoring the message and continuing to drive will lead to excess problems with the brake pads, brake discs, and even the sensor, which will all need to be replaced.
- While braking, if you notice vibration or wobbling, you need to see a mechanic right away. This type of sensation while braking could indicate that the brake pads are not making a good connection with the brake discs. This is most likely due to the fact that the metal found on the rotors have become warped due to the excessive heat that is given off while braking. This problem should be looked at and handled by a mechanic as soon as possible.
- Another way to tell if your rotors need to be replaced is by looking at the color of the brake disc. If you notice a blue tint, it may mean that the excessive heat has caused discoloration and your braking system may be compromised.
Types of Brake Discs
There are ultimately four different types of brake discs, and they each serve their purpose. We’re going to discuss the four different types of brake discs (rotors) available on the market.
- Drilled. Drilled brake discs have a series of holes that are drilled directly into the brake disc, making them the ideal choice for climates that experience heavy amounts of rain.
- Slotted. Slotted brake discs have a variety of small slots throughout the brake disc. They are mainly used in larger vehicles like trucks and SUVs.
- Drilled and Slotted. This type of brake discs combined tiny drilled holes with small slots to ensure adequacy and performance. They’re great for wetter climates and can pair well with heavy, large vehicles and luxury vehicles alike.
- Black or Smooth. Almost all new cars are designed with blank or smooth brake discs. These brake discs are cost effective while still maintaining maximum effectiveness and precision. They can work in all types of climates, which means they are versatile and easy to use with all cars.
Conclusion
Brake discs (rotors) are an essential piece of the puzzle when it comes to the braking process. Ensuring that your brake discs are in good condition and able to handle the pressure and heat that comes with braking is essential to a properly working, efficient, and safe vehicle. When you start to notice symptoms and signs of brake failure, take your car to the mechanic right away to be assessed. You may also want to discuss the different types of brake discs to make the right choice for your vehicle.