Should I Replace or Resurface My Car’s Brake Rotors?
Just like your car’s engine, your brakes need maintenance. When it’s time to replace your brake pads, you might wonder whether to replace or recoat your brake rotors. Both options are valid under certain circumstances, so we’ll thoroughly analyze brake rotor replacement vs. resurfacing. In this guide, we’ll explain what brake discs are and the value of each option. We’ll also explain when you should renew your brake rotors instead of replacing them.
Should I replace or change my brake discs? In most cases, it’s not a good idea to replace your brake discs. It’s better to replace them, as they will reduce the brake disc material and increase the temperature. Most car manufacturers do not recommend replacing brake discs.
However, if you have a very old and cheap car, you may be able to save money by replacing the windows. Read on for detailed answers on the pros and cons of brake disc resurfacing vs. replacement.
What are brake discs? Brake discs are a vital part of a vehicle’s disc braking system. The rotor itself is heavy and made of metal. It’s like a disc that connects the wheel to the wheel hub. When the wheel turns, the rotor turns too.
The brake pads are fixed to the rotor. When you press the brake pedal, the brake caliper, a hydraulic clamping part, presses the pads against the rotor. This action creates friction that stops your car.
Brake pads wear down over time and must be replaced periodically. But it’s not just the brake pads that are affected by friction – brake discs also wear down over time. The heat of braking puts so much strain on the discs that they thin out. If you notice a decrease in performance, you have two options: recoat your brake discs or replace them. Advantages and Disadvantages of Replacing Brake Discs
Replacing your brake discs allows you to reuse them. It removes part of the disc’s surface, creating a whole new performance. By replacing them, you can use your windshield for longer without having to replace it. Considering that replacing brake discs is costly, this is a great way to save money.
However, to replace your brake discs, you will need to visit a professional mechanic. It is unlikely that the average car enthusiast has the right tools in his garage to do the job properly.
How much does it cost to replace brake discs?
The average cost of replacing a brake rotor is between $20 and $40 per brake rotor. If your workshop has already performed the brake pad replacement, this replacement may also be included in the service.
If you want to replace the brake pads yourself, you will need to remove the discs and take them to a local repair shop. This creates downtime and is an unsatisfactory situation for hobby mechanics.
When should brake discs be replaced?
Discs should be inspected every time you change your brake pads. If they are in good enough condition to be renewed, it is worth considering. Discs should be thick enough to provide sufficient stopping power. Some of the material will be scraped off, so you need to take that into account. However, if your brake rotors are thick enough and you don’t mind paying the service fee, this is an excellent way to extend the life of this important part and save money in the process.
The Pros and Cons of Replacing Brake Discs
The biggest advantage of replacing brake rotors is that you can do the work yourself. If you want to replace your brakes at home, it makes sense to replace the brake discs as well. You don’t need any special tools or equipment to install new brake discs. However, this will cost more than a new coating. If you are not able to do the work yourself, prepare for a higher repair cost to replace the rotor.
When should I replace my brake rotors?
Modern brake rotors seem to be thinner than older ones. Manufacturers do this to reduce weight, but it also means the rotors need to be replaced more frequently. If it has thinned, it is impossible to safely repaint it. In fact, some manufacturers do not recommend recoating rotors, leaving you with no choice but to replace them.
In this situation, you can continue to use your brake rotors until they show signs of wear. You do not need to replace them every time you get new brake pads, but you should check them carefully. If you install new brake pads on a broken rotor, you will quickly damage the pads and need to replace them again. If the rotors show obvious signs of wear and are too thin to replace, they should be replaced. Also, rotors are always best replaced in pairs, front and rear. Even if you only need to replace one side, you should replace the other side as well.
On newer car models, it’s always a good idea to replace brake rotors instead of just replacing them with new ones. This is mainly because they are more breathable and the material is thinner than on older car models. This is probably because brake discs have become thinner recently.
