How They Work

Brake discs, also known as brake rotors, are essential components of a vehicle's braking system. They are located between the brake calipers and the wheels, and work by converting the energy of the brake pads into friction that slows down the rotation of the wheels. The brake pads are squeezed against the brake discs by the brake calipers, creating friction that slows down the vehicle.

There are two main types of brake discs: solid and vented. Solid brake discs are made from a single piece of metal and are the more traditional type of brake disc. Vented brake discs, on the other hand, have a series of holes or vents drilled into them to help dissipate heat and improve cooling.

Why Brake Discs Fail

Brake discs can fail due to a variety of reasons, including wear and tear from normal use, exposure to harsh weather conditions, and improper brake pad maintenance. Over time, the friction generated by the brake pads can cause grooves and ridges to form on the surface of the brake discs, reducing their effectiveness. Additionally, brake discs can become warped or damaged if they become excessively hot, such as during hard braking or extended downhill driving.

Reasons for Brake Disc Failure:

Wear and tear from normal use: Over time, the friction generated by the brake pads can cause grooves and ridges to form on the surface of the brake discs, reducing their effectiveness.

Exposure to harsh weather conditions: Brake discs can be affected by harsh weather conditions, such as rust and corrosion, which can weaken or damage the brake discs. Sudden thermal shock can also cause already thin discs to warp, such as driving through water while the discs are hot.

Improper brake pad maintenance: Worn-out or improperly maintained brake pads can cause asymmetrical and excessive wear on the brake discs and can lead to failure.

Excessive heat: Brake discs can become warped or damaged if they become excessively hot, such as during hard braking or extended downhill driving.

Driving conditions: Prolonged downhill driving or hard braking can cause the brake discs to become excessively hot and can lead to warping or damage.

Manufacturing defects: In some cases, brake discs can fail due to manufacturing defects, such as improper hardening or incorrect machining.

Signs That Brake Discs Need Replacing

There are several signs that indicate that brake discs need to be replaced, including:

• Squeaking or grinding noises when braking.
• Vibration or pulsation when braking.
• Reduced braking effectiveness.
• Visible damage or warping on the surface of the brake discs

Tips to Make Your Brake Discs Last Longer 

To ensure that your brake discs last as long as possible, it's important to follow a few simple tips:

Maintain your brake pads: Regularly check and replace worn-out brake pads, as worn-out pads can cause excessive wear on the brake discs.

Avoid hard braking: Hard braking can cause the brake discs to become excessively hot and can lead to warping or damage.

Avoid extended downhill driving: Prolonged downhill driving can cause the brake discs to become excessively hot and can lead to warping or damage.

Regularly inspect your brake discs: Regular inspections of the brake discs can help identify potential problems before they become more serious, and can help prolong the life of the brake discs.

The Importance of Replacing Brake Pads At The Same Time As Brake Discs

It's important to note that brake pads and brake discs are designed to work together, and the performance of one component can be negatively impacted if the other is not in good condition. So, if you are replacing one component, it's a good idea to replace the other at the same time to ensure that your braking system is functioning at its best.

Fitting new brake discs with old brake pads can result in several problems and can negatively impact the overall performance of the braking system. Some of the consequences include:

Reduced braking performance: Worn-out brake pads may not be able to generate enough friction to effectively slow down and stop the vehicle, even if new brake discs are installed.

Uneven wear: Old brake pads can cause uneven wear on the new brake discs, leading to grooves and ridges that reduce their effectiveness and increase the risk of failure.

Vibration and noise: Worn-out brake pads can cause excessive vibration and noise when applying the brakes, which can be distracting and uncomfortable.

Increased stopping distance: The reduced braking performance of worn-out brake pads can increase the stopping distance of the vehicle, which can be dangerous in emergency situations.

Reduced lifespan of the new brake discs: Fitting new brake discs with old brake pads can shorten the lifespan of the new brake discs, as they will be subjected to increased wear and tear.

In conclusion, it is recommended to replace both the brake pads and brake discs whenever one component requires replacement to ensure that the braking system is functioning at its best and providing consistent, reliable braking performance.

How We Can Help

StartMyCar is a leading provider of high-quality braking components and systems, and they offer a full range of brake discs and brake pads from leading brands such ATE, Optima, and Alfa. These products are designed to provide reliable and consistent braking performance, and are available at competitive prices. Whether you're looking for a simple brake pad replacement or a full brake upgrade, StartMyCar has the products and expertise to meet your needs.