As we all know, the brake is a vital component of the vehicle. You will unintentionally ignore them if you are not aware of it. The brake rotor, like every other component of the vehicle, is critical to its overall performance.
The primary purpose of brake rotors is to provide friction between brake pads and calipers, which is why they are designed and installed in cars.
When your car’s rotors clamp down on the wheel, they create friction that prevents it from spinning. Friction slows the rotation of the wheel, slowing the car. They help your vehicle’s braking system that allows your automobile to brake safely and effectively.
But what happens when rotors fail? And how long can you drive with bad rotors?
In this post, we’ll answer those questions, show you how to repair broken brake rotors, and give you some other information you might not know!
How Long Can You Drive With Bad Rotors?
You can continue to drive the car with a bad rotor between 30,000 and 60,000 miles. In some cases, brake rotors can last longer. You cannot drive in such a dangerous situation if the damage is too severe. It is dangerous for you and your family.
In fact, if your brake rotor fails, you may be able to drive for a short time before it is completely worn out. However, we advise against driving for two reasons. They are extremely hazardous to your health. Driving with rotors of poor quality will further damage them and increase repair costs.
So, if your brake rotor is broken, you should avoid driving for an extended period of time. Continuous driving can cause brake failure, putting you and others in danger.
After learning how brake pads work and wear, I’ll show you how to tell if your car’s brake rotors are worn.
Bad Brake Rotors Symptoms
A sign that your car’s brake rotor has a problem is when you brake the car, you feel heavy, indicating that the brake system on your car has a problem.
1. Brake Noise
The continuous squeaking sound you hear when you step on the brake is one of the causes of brake failure in your car. The rotors are uniform and flat. However, when they lose their flatness due to wear or other circumstances, they may begin to generate squeaking or grinding noises.
If the noise only occurs sometimes, it’s most likely due to weather or road conditions depositing dust and deposits on the brake system.
If it persists for an extended period of time, you should get the vehicle inspected and replaced.
2. Brake system vibrations
Brakes shake during usage due to unequal contact between the disc surface and the brake pads, a misaligned wheel, unevenly worn brake pads, or a warped brake disc.
This is exceedingly risky, endangering the driver and passengers. As a result, as soon as you notice the aforementioned indicators, you should take your car to a shop for brake disc repair and maintenance.
3. Markings on the Rotor’s Surface
Grooves or score marks on the surface of brake rotors might cause them to fail. The markings are frequently created by constant and sustained contact between the brake pads and the discs.
Brake discs have a certain thickness that decreases over time. Bad rotors are so worn out that they compromise the vehicle’s overall safety.
4. When the brake is applied, the car is deflected.
The unequal braking force occurring on the wheels is the cause of the vehicle deviating when the automobile brake is applied. One of them has been stained with oil, the brake pads’ gap is unequal, and the oil path is partially stopped.
If you don’t take the automobile to the shop for repairs and continue to drive it, there’s a good possibility it’ll roll over in scenarios like rapid braking at high speeds or cornering.
5. Smell of Burning
A burning smell is one of the unmistakable indications of a fractured brake rotor. It is quite unsafe to continue driving, especially when traveling downhill.
I propose leaving the car alone or driving it straight to the service location. One of the most prevalent reasons for a burning odor is a warped rotor. Additionally, scents might be caused by oil leaks, brake failure, or brake and clutch overheating.
6. When braking, the car does not slow down.
Scoring and a single groove in the rotor can make it difficult for the car to slow down. Furthermore, when the brake pedal no longer engages the brake rotor, subsequent vibrations may give the impression that the vehicle will not stop.
When a vehicle is forced to make an emergency stop, the extra stopping distance or even the driver’s inability to stop can be exceedingly dangerous.
7. Steering Wheel Shaking
If your steering wheel shakes a lot while braking, your rotors may be out of round. The rotors have begun to disintegrate, lose their shape, and become twisted in another way.
You’ll probably feel some vibrations when you press your foot down on the brake pedal in this circumstance.
Because your brakes are such an important aspect of your vehicle’s ability to stop safely, you must repair this issue as soon as possible.
8. Brake Lights Make a Difference
You may notice brake lights on your dashboard if your rotors are worn out.
Although a variety of circumstances might cause brake lights to appear, warped rotors or the entire braking system are usually the first to be questioned.
Whether you’re stopped, driving, or driving backward, the brake light will illuminate. When you discover this symptom, it’s time to inspect the disc brake.
Read more: Will Brake Cleaner Remove Paint? How To Use It Properly?
Is It Okay To Continue Driving When The Rotor Fails?
If you neglect the problem for an extended period of time, high pulsing during high-speed braking may develop. In this circumstance, you’ll see the tires wobble and the car quake or vibrate. Furthermore, warped rotors can cause a jerky steering column.
The failure of the anti-lock braking system could result in a collision. Finally, to ensure overall safety, warped rotors must be changed.
Because the caliper pins wobble on the caliper pins, it’s also possible that the wobbling is only transitory. Some people believe you can drive for brief periods of time even if your rotors are distorted.
However, the more you drive, the faster the moving pieces in their individual casings move and spin. Their short lifespan may result in a slew of problems that your modest auto repair and maintenance budget may be unable to manage.
Repairing Bad Brake Rotors Cost
The price of repairing brake rotors is determined by the severity of the damage. It is typical to expect to pay roughly $200 for brake disc replacement when visiting a professional.
The advantage of brake disc replacement is that it eliminates the need to be concerned about the quality of your rotors for an extended period of time. Brake discs have a lifespan of 30000 to 60000 miles.
If the damage is minor, the brake discs could be resurfaced, which entails reshaping the discs to create a smooth surface.
If the rotors are damaged, you may need to resurface the braking discs. Automobile rotors cost between $50 and $80 on average. Labor costs might range from $100 to $200 depending on the mechanic and location.
Frequent Asked Questions
Q: What are the effects of bad rotors on your car?
The brakes may fail temporarily due to a deformed rotor. The brake pads slide back and forth due to the warped rotor, causing the brake fluid to foam up, preventing the braking system from receiving the necessary amount of hydraulic pressure.
Q: What happens if you continue to drive with faulty brakes?
If you suspect your rotors are deformed or your brakes are failing, you should immediately stop driving and consult a repair. Driving with warped rotors can result in brake system failure, putting you and others around you in danger.
Q: What happens if worn rotors aren’t replaced?
Uneven brake rotors cause pad wear and, if left unchecked, pulsation during high-speed braking. This causes a jerky steering column and anti-lock braking system failure because the tires wobble and rattle.
Final thoughts
When you detect the above signals, you should replace the rotor as soon as possible. Driving with faulty brakes is dangerous. It impacts not only you but also your family members. I hope you would repair the rotor as soon as possible and have your car serviced on a regular basis so that you may always drive safely. I hope you found this essay useful. Please post any questions or comments in the space below.