When Should You Replace Brake Rotors
Many Hyundai drivers question when they should replace their brake rotors, especially after their car, truck, or SUV hits a few years of age. You might start noticing strange sounds and sensations when you should replace your brake rotors, and we want to dive deeper into this process today in this article. Remember, sticking to your car's recommended maintenance is always a good plan, especially with the brake system. Stay tuned, and let's get into it.
Importance of Brake Rotors in Vehicle Safety
The rotors of your brake system work with the brake pads to create the friction necessary to slow and stop a vehicle. After all, each time you hit the brakes, you rely on friction to slow and stop your car from moving further. Rotors, also called brake discs, are the flat metal discs that the brake pads press against when stopping your Hyundai.
Signs That Your Brake Rotors May Need Replacement
If you are wondering when to replace your brake rotors, there should be a few warning signs to note. Generally, these include vibrations and grinding sensations at the floor and wheel, visible rotor damage or warping, delayed brakes, squealing/squeaking/grinding sounds, and poor brake performance.
Vibration While Braking
If your steering wheel or the floor next to the brake pedal experiences vibration when stopping or slowing, your rotors are ready to be replaced.
Squeaking or Grinding Noises
If you hear squeaks or notice a metallic "grinding" noise when you try to slow down or stop your Hyundai, your rotors are likely to blame.
Visible Grooves or Scoring on Rotors
Any visible grooves or scoring on brake rotors will indicate they have lived their life on the road and need to be swapped out for new ones.
Increased Stopping Distance
The longer it takes for your car, truck, or SUV to stop completely, the higher the possibility is that you need new brake rotors. If they are not creating friction with the brake pad, they aren't doing their job.
Warped or Uneven Rotors
Warping or unevenly worn rotors can affect your brake system. This will require you to replace your brake rotors and should be done sooner rather than later.
How Often Should Brake Rotors Be Replaced?
When it comes to when you should replace brake rotors, the industry average for them is 30,000 to 70,000 miles. This translates to replacing brake rotors about every 2.5 to six years on the road.
How to Diagnose Brake Rotor Issues
Doing a physical assessment of your brake rotors at home is a good starting point for diagnosing brake rotor issues. Of course, not everyone wants to get under their car and inspect its brake system, so you can always schedule a brake check-up with our friendly service team at Colonial Hyundai in New London, CT.
If you want to do an at-home inspection, here are things to look for:
- Grooves and scoring (rough spots on discs)
- Excessive rust (surface rusting is normal)
- Blue discoloration (high heat causes color change)
- Uneven pad wear (due to rotors not doing their job)
Preventative Maintenance Tips for Brake Rotors
Sticking to your recommended brake system maintenance plan is the best thing you can do to keep your brake rotors healthy and working correctly. This includes scheduling routine six-month brake checks with a certified mechanic, avoiding harsh and excessive braking while on the road, using the best possible brake pads, and having new rotors professionally installed. Even though a third party can be cheaper, not going through the formal chain of command when you replace your brake rotors can mean more time spent on a future repair.
Regular Brake Inspections
Even if you aren't in a Hyundai vehicle, you should get your brakes checked every 5,000-7,500 miles, or every six months. The more you use your brake system, the more it wears down, which can mean new pads and rotors are needed. Of course, you don't know for sure until a professional technician looks at them, so don't delay a brake service appointment.
Avoiding Excessive Braking
When you drive, avoid hitting the brakes at the last second and too frequently if you do not have to. Excessive braking can wreak havoc on your pads and rotors over time, shortening their lifespan.
Using High-Quality Brake Pads
Going through your local/nearest Hyundai dealership for things like brake pad replacement is the best idea. You never have to second-guess quality because we will carry OEM parts for Hyundai models. Many third-party auto centers do not have OEM-quality rotors and pads; you might get stuck with a poor-quality set instead.
Rotating Tires Regularly
Another way to ease the burden on your brake system is to keep up to date with your car's tire upkeep. It is a good plan to rotate your tires every six months, which we can combine with a brake inspection appointment here at Colonial Hyundai in New London, CT. Most people also schedule their oil change around this time, so you can personalize your service to check off whatever boxes you need.
Importance of Professional Installation
The best way to handle brake rotor and pad replacements is to book through a professional. Here at Colonial Hyundai in New London, we are a dedicated and certified Hyundai repair team ready for all types of brake system servicing. Going outside of the dealership can put your brake system at risk for unnecessary damage due to poor labor and parts, which we want to avoid when possible.
Schedule Service at Colonial Hyundai
The next time you are wondering when to replace your brake rotors, call the top-rated service technicians at Colonial Hyundai. We are conveniently located in New London, CT, and offer weekday servicing to new and used vehicles.
Remember, you always want to try to go through your manufacturer for part replacements, especially for essential systems like your brakes. We can help with rotor replacements, pad replacements, complete system diagnostics, and more, so don't be shy to call or swing by today.
