What are Brake Rotors and Average Life Time of Brake Rotors

As soon as you hit the brakes on your car, several components must effectively work together to safely stop the vehicle. Brake pads and brake rotors are two most crucial parts of this mechanism. You might already know that healthy brake pads are essential for maintaining your braking system, but do you know how important are brake rotors?

What are brake rotors? Also known as brake discs, brake rotors are circular disc-shaped parts attached to each wheel. When you apply the brakes, your car’s brake pads stop the wheels from spinning by clamping down on the rotors. This process creates a lot of heat through friction, and the rotors help dissipate it.

Brake rotors require routine maintenance and immediate replacement once they reach the end of their life. How long do the average brake rotors last, and how will you know they need replacement? Let’s find out:

What Is the Average Lifetime of Brake Rotors?

The average lifetime of brake rotors depends largely on your driving habits and driving conditions. In regular conditions, brake rotors should last from three to seven years or 48,000 to 112,000 KM. If you have excellent driving habits and take good care of your braking system, your brake rotors should last longer.

Visit a licenced mechanic and get your brake rotors checked to evaluate their status. It will let you know if the components show any signs of wear and tear. A mechanic might opt for turning and machining methods for fixing rotors that exhibit an irregular surface. The process will give your brake rotors its round shape back, and you can get it done around two to three times before your rotors reach the end of their lifespan and require complete replacement.

Brake rotors don’t need replacement as frequently as your brake pads, however, they should be similarly replaced in pairs.