How Often Do Brake Rotors Need to be Replaced?

As an integral component of braking systems, brake rotors are a critical part of many of the cars and vehicles used today. They make modern vehicles far safer and more convenient than vehicles with older braking systems, preventing cars, trucks, and motorbikes from crashing much more effectively.

Brake rotors work in conjunction with brake pads, and because brake pads are designed to wear down to preserve the rotor material, pad maintenance and replacement must be prioritised. Unfortunately, rotors are often neglected and their wear overlooked because of this system, but over-worn brake rotors are a hazard to our safety (and bank accounts), increasing the potential for dangerous accidents or expensive damage.

Brake rotors do have a finite service life, after all, and determining when you need to replace them can help protect your whole vehicle. Pro Speed Racing stocks high-quality vehicle parts, including brake rotors, and we're well-informed about when they need to be replaced. Here we outline what brake rotors are, how they wear down, and how often brake rotors need to be replaced along with signs that can indicate they're faulty.

What is a brake rotor?

A brake rotor is an integral component of a disc braking system. The rotor is the metal disc connected to the wheel’s axle, and this metal is usually made of steel or carbon-ceramic. Brake rotors are fixed to the axle, so when the wheel spins, so does the rotor, and when the rotor is slowed, the wheel slows with it. When brakes are activated, brake pads apply pressure to squeeze the rotors and this friction causes them to slow down and stop completely when required.

Brake pads are made of a softer material, so when they contact rotors, they typically wear down first. However, at the high speeds that wheels operate at, friction from the pads also causes some wear to the rotors themselves, and when their shape differs too far from their original, they become faulty.

How often do brake rotors need to be replaced?

Brake rotors need to be replaced when they’re worn past an allowable wear threshold. This amount varies from one brake rotor to another, and depends on the metal material that makes up the disc. Steel brake rotors are the most traditionally used type and typically last up to 110,000 kilometres.

As they’re designed to last this length, drivers should have their brake rotors inspected and checked before this mileage occurs to ensure they’re still functioning well and drivers aren’t taken by surprise. It can be helpful to have them replaced every 90,000 to 100,000 kilometres to remain appropriately precautious while still utilizing the vast majority of their service life. Of course, their service life depends on how they’re treated and could last for more or fewer kilometres.

For example, drivers that tend to cruise towards stops, traffic lights and turns rather than applying their brake frequently and rapidly will preserve the life of their brake rotors. Modern braking technology has progressed impressively since steel rotors. Carbon-ceramic rotors are designed to outlast the vehicle, which means drivers lucky enough to own these brake rotors shouldn't ever have to replace them, unless due to malfunctioning issues other than wear.

Review our collection or brake rotors and wider automotive parts available from Pro Speed Racing today, or contact our friendly team to learn more.