Brake rotors are another critical component of the braking system, responsible for bringing your vehicle to a safe and complete stop. The brake pads clamp down on the brake rotors (or discs), in order to stop the wheels from turning. You might be surprised to learn the brake rotors are just as important as the brake pads when it comes to effectively stopping the vehicle.
Like brake pads, brake rotors don't last forever. Because the rotors also wear every time the brakes are applied, brake rotors should be replaced or resurfaced when they are warped or worn out. Ask your service advisor to measure the thickness of the rotors every time your brakes are serviced, as worn out rotors might not have enough metal left for safe braking. Worn rotors lose the ability to absorb and dissipate heat, which can compromise their overall strength, increasing the risk of cracking and/or failure.
A warped or damaged brake rotor may contribute to premature brake pad wear and lead to more frequent brake pad replacement and an increased cost of repair. From a safety standpoint, worn brake rotors may dramatically increase the distance required to stop, cause the vehicle to pull to one side, or result in loss of control, which could result in injury to you and others. Neglecting brake rotor maintenance has no environmental impact.