Brake Rotors: What Are They & How Do They Work?

The average driver applies their brakes countless times per day, but for your car’s brake system to function correctly, its components need to be in full working order. If even one part of this system is sufficiently worn out, your safety on the road could be compromised and you’d require brake repair.

While brake rotors are just one of the dozens of components included in your brake system, your vehicle wouldn’t be able to brake properly without them. If you’re a Tucson, AZ, driver interested in learning more about rotors, keep reading for our in-depth look at these components and what they do in your vehicle.

Brake Rotors 101

Your brake rotors are metal discs connected to your vehicle’s tires. In a disc brake system, brake pads and rotors work together to make the braking process possible. Your rotors spin along with your wheels while your car is in motion; when you push down on your vehicle’s brake pedal, its brake pads push against the rotors. 

The friction created by this procedure slows and ultimately stops your car, but it will also cause your brake rotors and brake pads to wear down at some point. When that happens, you’ll need to replace these parts with new rotors to keep your brake system up and running.

Are Your Rotors Ready for Replacement?

The life span of your rotors will vary based on a few different factors, including:

• The durability and quality of these components
• The brake pads you use
• The level of traffic you typically drive in
• The driving habits you have
• The climate in your area

In the past, brake rotors could last for two or even three brake pad replacements, but that’s not typically the case for today’s rotors. With that in mind, most drivers should replace their brakes and rotors simultaneously.

Of course, your rotors could wear out sooner than expected. If you spot brake problems such as grinding, squeaking, or squealing noises when you brake, visibly worn grooves in your rotors, or vibrations while braking, schedule an appointment for rotor replacement as soon as possible.

The Four Main Brake Rotor Types

Once you’re familiar with how rotors work and when they need to be replaced, you’ll want to do some research on the various rotor types on the market today. Here are the four types of brake rotors your vehicle might use:

1. Blank Rotors

In new passenger vehicles, no rotor type is more common than blank (aka smooth) rotors. These rotors are entirely free of holes and slots, making them highly effective in various driving situations. 

Blank rotors also have a longer life span than other rotor types. But while these rotors are an excellent choice for most drivers, they aren’t ideal for use in luxury vehicles or race cars. 

2. Drilled Rotors

As their name implies, drilled rotors have a series of holes drilled across their surfaces. These holes allow heat, water, and dust to dissipate from these rotors.

Since they do an excellent job of delivering stopping power in rainy conditions, drilled rotors are a fantastic option for motorists living in areas with high precipitation levels. That said, they have trouble coping with extreme heat, which means they aren’t the best choice for sports cars and other high-performance vehicles.

3. Slotted Rotors

If you drive an SUV or a truck, there’s a good chance that it uses slotted rotors. These rotors come with slots that draw air into the space between the rotor and the brake pad, giving them enhanced cooling capabilities. Additionally, these rotors can remove built-up pad glaze and brake debris.

Slotted rotors offer excellent stopping power for vehicles that need to haul or tow heavy loads. However, these components have a shorter service life than other options (and since brake pads and rotors work so closely together, this can also affect the life span of your pads).

4. Drilled and Slotted Rotors

Some vehicles, such as sports cars, need rotors that can shoulder the demands associated with high-performance driving. For these vehicles, drilled and slotted rotors are an excellent choice.

Because they have both holes and slots, drilled and slotted rotors are excellent at heat dissipation, which allows them to keep doing their job while your car travels at extremely high speeds. However, these rotors have less smooth surface area than any other rotor type, affecting their durability and making them more likely to crack.

Get Affordable Brake Services

By auto maintenance standards, replacing brake rotors isn’t expensive — but it can still be tricky to fit this work into your budget. Thus, you’ll want to find a local Tucson auto shop known for both good workmanship and excellent value before investing in new brakes and rotors.

If it’s time to replace your brake pads and rotors (or if you need any other type of auto repair or maintenance), BRAKEmax Tire & Service Centers has you covered. We’re the go-to auto shop for people in southern Arizona, and we’ve held on to that reputation since 1997. 

While BRAKEmax is proud to offer best-in-class service from ASE-certified mechanics, our commitment to our customers goes beyond that. We also make a point of helping area residents save by providing online brake service coupons and financing options. Set up an appointment at your closest BRAKEmax location today!