Signs of Brake Disc Issues: When Should a Brake Disc Be Replaced?

• What is a Brake Disc?
• How to Check the Condition of a Brake Disc?
• Lifespan of a Brake Disc
• Potential Issues with Brake Discs

What is a Brake Disc?

A car's brake disc, also known as a rotor, is one of the main components of the braking system, mounted on the wheels. Its shape is typically a circular metal disc, with brake calipers attached to both sides. These calipers contain one or more internal pistons designed to apply pressure to the brake disc. When the driver presses the brake pedal, the brake pads inside the calipers squeeze the disc, creating friction to slow down and stop the vehicle.

To ensure wear resistance and heat dissipation, brake discs are typically made from special alloy steel materials. The condition and performance of the brake discs are crucial for vehicle safety and braking efficiency, making regular inspection and maintenance essential.

How to Check the Condition of a Brake Disc?

First, under normal circumstances, we can start by checking if the brake warning light is off. When the brake disc is excessively worn or malfunctioning, this light will illuminate. Next, we can visually inspect the appearance of the brake disc on the wheel; it should be flat and smooth without any noticeable cracks, deformations, or dents. Additionally, we can also touch the brake disc to check for any obvious indentations or particles. If you feel unevenness, it indicates that your brake disc has worn down excessively.

In addition to visually and tactilely checking the condition of the brake disc, we can also listen for sounds when braking. We often hear a sharp squeaking noise when motorcycles or bicycles brake, which is also a sign that the brake disc may be worn.

The most important test is actually related to your vehicle's braking performance. When you brake, pay attention to any unusual vibrations, body or steering wheel shaking, or poor braking effectiveness. If you experience any of these situations, it may indicate that your brake disc needs to be checked or replaced.

Lifespan of a Brake Disc

The lifespan of brake discs can be influenced by many factors, such as driving habits, road conditions, vehicle type, brake disc materials and types, as well as the maintenance of the vehicle's brake system. These factors can all affect the lifespan of the brake disc. Typically, brake pads need to be replaced after 30,000 to 40,000 kilometers, while brake discs are generally replaced around 70,000 kilometers. Brake pads have a shorter lifespan, so usually after two sets of brake pads are replaced, the brake discs should be checked for replacement needs. Rear brake discs typically last between 80,000 to 100,000 kilometers. Therefore, we can determine that the general lifespan of a vehicle's brake system ranges from 30,000 to 110,000 kilometers, but specific situations may vary based on the aforementioned factors.

Potential Issues with Brake Discs

As the vehicle drives for a longer time, the parts will gradually begin to wear out, and the brake discs in the car's brake system are no exception. The potential issues that may arise include:

Rust: The cause of rust on brake discs may stem from the surface being affected by moisture and salt. Light rusting is usually not a major issue, but excessive rusting can impact brake performance.

Excessive wear: Prolonged use can lead to excessive wear on brake discs. When the brake discs wear down to a certain extent, they need to be replaced; otherwise, it cannot be guaranteed that they will achieve optimal braking performance.

Deformation: Brake discs have the property of thermal expansion and contraction, and deformation is caused by frequent rapid cooling. This means that when we drive to wash the car, if the brake discs are hot and immediately come into contact with cold water, smoke will rise. When the hot brake discs encounter cold water, they experience the effects of thermal expansion and contraction, leading to deformation. When the brake discs are deformed, you will feel a shaking sensation when pressing the brake pedal.

Cracks: When the brake discs of a car are excessively worn, the reduced heat dissipation can lead to the accumulation of braking heat. If the brake discs become deformed or develop holes, they may exhibit cracking or fissures.

Uneven Thickness: When inspecting the brake system, one key aspect to check is the thickness of the brake pads. The disc can be visually assessed through the gap between the caliper and the disc. If, upon removal and measurement, it is found to be less than 2mm or has already worn down to the warning metal plate, it must be replaced immediately; otherwise, the proper functioning of the brake system cannot be guaranteed.

CARICO

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