BRAKE ROTORS: TYPES, TIPS, AND FAQS
                     BRAKE ROTORS: TYPES, TIPS, AND FAQS
Mark Sanford
Writer at Brake System University providing advice, 
reviews and information on brake system components 
including 
abs speed sensor advice from brake system university / 
abs brake sensor reviews from brake system university
Do you experience a rhythmic thumping while driving down the road, but 
your brake pads are still in good shape? It may be time to have your brake 
rotors machined or replaced. Before you go shopping for some new parts, 
take some time to get a better understanding of how they bring your car to 
a safe stop mile after mile.
HOW DO BRAKE ROTORS WORK?
Brake rotors are bolted to the axle of the car and spin with the axle. When 
you hit the brake pedal, the brake calipers close and press the brake pads 
into contact with the rotors. Friction between the pads and rotors slows 
the vehicle to a controlled stop.
Rotors will wear out over time due to damage from dust and dirt thrown 
up from the road and degradation of the metal due to constant heating 
and cooling cycles.
HOW OFTEN DO BRAKE ROTORS WEAR OUT?
While typical brake pads in street cars wear out in about 30,000 miles, your brake 
rotors can last up to two to three times longer. If the surface of the brake rotor 
becomes scratched or warped, it is possible to have them machined to extend 
their functional life without replacing them immediately.
Trucks and cars that spend more time in stop and go traffic will wear down all the 
braking components faster than vehicles that spend the majority of the time on 
wide-open highways.
BUYING SMOOTH, DRILLED, OR SLOTTED BRAKE ROTORS
The majority of passenger vehicles come with OEM smooth brake rotors. 
Aftermarket rotors offer drilled, slotted, or drilled and slotted versions. The drilled 
rotor allows air, dust, and water to be dissipated faster. They are a good option if 
you live in an extremely wet area. Slotted rotors draw more air to the surface of 
the rotor, improving heat dissipation and improving performance during extreme 
stopping conditions.
Both slotted and drilled rotors will not last as long as your OEM smooth and will 
not get you a return on your investment if you are driving a commuter car or SUV. 
The combined drilled and slotted rotors are a popular option for street 
performance and off-road vehicles that are actually pushing the limits of the 
vehicle’s abilities.
WHICH IS BETTER? CAST IRON OR STEEL BRAKE ROTORS
While it may seem like cast iron is an old school material, it still makes pretty 
bulletproof rotors. If you are replacing rotors on a passenger car or work truck, 
cast iron is affordable and dependable. Steel brake rotors are the entry-level for 
performance rotors, as they are lighter than iron and are fairly resistant to 
warping. They are more expensive and will not last as long as cast iron.
Other performance material options for rotors include layered steel and ceramic. 
The layered steel is a nice option for cars competing at the local track. Your 
supercar will have a stunning set of ceramic rotors. There are some aluminum 
rotors on the market, which will greatly reduce weight but may not last more than 
a run or two down the drag strip.
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information on various brake system components like brake lines, brake 
line kits, and ABS sensors. Brake System University connects you to high 
quality, genuine brake system replacement parts including  replacement 
brake lines, replacement ABS sensors, replacement brake line kits that 
have been tested and reviewed by experts. If you want to replace any 
component of your brake system, then this 
site(https://brakesystems.autopartsu.com/) will helps you in choosing the 
right component. Brake System University connects you to trusted reviews 
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