A typical modern car or truck is equipped with four disc brakes. The largest part of the brakes is the rotor, a disc-shaped part that gives the term ‘disc brake’ its name.
When you step on the brake pedal, the calipers press the brake pads against the rotors, slowing down your car through friction. The rotors absorb the heat generated by this friction and evenly distribute the braking power, enabling you to slow down or stop your vehicle.
Over time, brake rotors can become deformed or distorted. Discover what causes brake rotors to warp and how to address each symptom.
1. Excessive Heat
Every time you brake, your braking system uses the friction generated by the contact of your brake pads and rotors to slow your vehicle down. The harder you brake, the more friction they create, and the more heat is generated.
Brake rotors are available in various sizes and made of various materials such as cast iron, steel, or aluminum. Each rotor is designed to withstand a certain amount of heat. Generally, the larger the rotor and the more durable the materials, the more heat it can withstand.
However, repeated hard braking introduces extreme friction and generates intense heat over extended periods. This excess heat causes brake rotors to warp, specifically when the rotors reach temperatures higher than they are designed to withstand.
Overheated brakes are less effective, increasing your braking distances. The more you overheat your brakes, the higher the risk of introducing permanent warping.
2. Low-Quality Brakes
Brand-new cars are fitted with brakes specifically designed to slow or stop your vehicle safely in all situations. They match your car’s performance and typical usage applications.
For instance, a passenger sedan is typically fitted with smaller discs than an SUV because it is lighter and requires less braking power to slow down. High-performance cars use premium materials, such as carbon-ceramic brakes, so that they can withstand repeated hard braking with less risk of warping.
If you’ve recently replaced your brake rotors, ensure they are the correct size, material, and specification for your make and model. A poor-quality brake might overheat faster than a factory-standard model, making it more prone to warping.
When scheduling a brake service with a trusted mechanic, they should always install Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) brake rotors or better to keep your vehicle safe to drive.
3. Worn Brake Components
In some cases, other, worn-out or faulty brake components cause the brake rotors to warp, even if the rotor itself was initially in good condition. Potential causes include:
- Old brake pads. If your pads are worn out and aren’t replaced at recommended intervals, they will apply uneven pressure on the rotors when braking. It can cause certain rotor parts to become hotter than others, resulting in uneven heat distribution and accelerating rotor warping.
- Stuck brake calipers. Faulty brake calipers may fail to retract properly when you let go of the brake pedal, causing them to apply continuous pressure on the brake pads or the rotors. This can cause excess and unintended friction, resulting in the rotors warping.
- Brake line issue. Your braking system depends on a network of pipes filled with brake fluids to function correctly. A leak or air bubbles in the brake lines can cause your brakes to apply inconsistent pressure when you step on the pedal. This can cause the pads to be applied unevenly, wearing out the rotors.
- ABS problems. The Antilock Braking System (ABS) uses sensors to monitor your wheel speed and modulate the amount of braking power applied when you use the brake pedal. When it functions correctly, the ABS prevents the wheels from locking under hard braking, resulting in more efficient braking power.
A malfunction with your car’s ABS can cause it to modulate braking power incorrectly or inconsistently. It can cause specific wheels to receive more braking than others, leading to uneven wear and tear and increasing the risk of warping.
4. Contaminated Brakes
Brake contamination occurs when fluids or substances come in contact with brake components, especially the pads and rotors. Poor or inconsistent car maintenance can cause certain fluids and substances to contaminate your brakes, increasing the risk of rotor warping. Examples include:
- Brake fluid. Typically caused by a leak in the brake lines or a faulty brake caliper.
- Oils and grease. Leaks from other parts of your vehicle, such as engine oil, axle grease, or transmission fluid, can seep toward your brake rotors and contaminate them.
- Improper handling. Failing to handle or clean the brake rotors properly during an inspection can introduce foreign substances to the rotor surfaces, contaminating them.
- Road grime. Dirt, sand, dust, and grime can accumulate under your wheels after driving extended distances or off-road driving. If not cleaned, road grime can reach the rotors or become embedded on the pads and calipers, resulting in contamination.
- Water. Driving in wet conditions or deep water can expose your brake rotors to humidity. Depending on the materials, they may be prone to rust and corrosion, rendering them more vulnerable to warping and degradation.
5. High-Performance Driving
Visiting a local circuit and booking a track day can be fun to enjoy your car’s full capabilities and performance. However, if you plan to do it, ensure your brakes are designed for this purpose.
Standard passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs are fitted with brakes for standard road speeds and conditions. Unless your car is a high-performance model built with track days in mind, even properly sized standard disc brakes will wear out prematurely. Brake rotors designed to last for 30,000 to 70,000 miles can be worn down to the point of warping after just a few days on a circuit.
If you regularly attend the track, consider installing performance brakes or keeping a separate set of brake rotors specifically for track days.
6. OEM Defects
In rare occasions, brake rotors of the correct size and materials may simply be improperly manufactured or installed at the factory. These defects can cause your rotors to become more prone to warping, causing them to wear out prematurely.
Other brake-related defects, such as improperly installed brake pads, can introduce uneven friction and heat. The effect is similar to worn-out brake pads but can be harder to detect, as the pads will not appear worn when inspected.
A trained mechanic can inspect your braking system to detect whether any components have factory defects. They can remove the faulty parts and install properly manufactured equivalents, ensuring your vehicle is safe to drive again.
Get Your Brake Rotors Inspected and Serviced at Hometown
Knowing what causes brake rotors to warp and how to avoid premature wear and tear will help extend their lifespan. Healthy rotors are essential to keeping your car’s braking power at optimum levels, allowing you to react to potential dangers or obstacles and slow down on time.
Keep your car’s brake rotors in top condition at Hometown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Our team of skilled mechanics can inspect your vehicle’s braking system and detect whether your rotors are nearing the end of their life.
We can also help you find the best rotor size and material for your make, model, and driving habits. Contact us to schedule a brake service or visit our location near Albion, MI, today.
