Rotors and Brake Pads-Complete Guide

Each wheel of a vehicle has two brake rotors, two in the front and two in the back, which are round shaped discs. Their function is to convert kinetic energy, into thermal energy or in simplified terms motion into heat.

While driving when you put pressure on the interior part of the car brake pedal, a signal is transferred to car calipers from the master brake cylinder to compress the brake pads together against the large surface area of the rotors. The wheels’ rotation is resisted by the friction produced by the pads pressing on the rotors, which slows and stops the car’s motion.

Brake Pads

Brake pads are friction materials that press against the rotors to slow or stop the vehicle.

Materials

Organic (Non-Asbestos Organic – NAO):

• Made from fibers like rubber, carbon, and Kevlar.
• Quieter and softer but wear faster.

Semi-Metallic:

• Contain metal shavings (iron, steel, or copper) mixed with resin.
• Durable, good performance, but can be noisier.

Ceramic:

• Made of ceramic fibres and small amounts of metal.
• There is comparatively less sound emission, long-lasting, produce less dust but are more expensive.

Lifespan

Rotors are basically exterior part of a car attached to each wheel of a car. Two iron discs joined by ribs make up a rotor. The brake pads are forced against both iron discs when the brakes are engaged. Although rotor rib designs vary widely, they all serve the same purpose. They help dissipate the significant heat generated by the rotor and brake pads’ friction. Both cooling and venting of hot air from the rotor are made possible by these ribs. For rotors to function correctly, their ability to disperse a significant quantity of heat is crucial.

Types

Solid Rotors:

Found on smaller or less powerful vehicles.

They are Simple in design and comparatively less expensive.

Vented Rotors:

Have internal fins to dissipate heat.

Found common in performance or larger vehicles.

Drilled or Slotted Rotors:

They are designed for high-performance applications.

Offer better heat dissipation and water dispersion but can wear pads faster.

Lifespan

Typically last between 50,000 and 70,000 miles, but lifespan depends on driving conditions and rotor quality.

Signs of Wear

• Warping (vibration or pulsing when braking).
• Deep grooves or scoring
• Reduced stopping power.

Maintenance Tips

Regular Inspection:

Check pads and rotors during routine vehicle maintenance.

Timely Replacement:

Replace pads before they wear down completely to avoid damaging the rotors.

Driving Habits:

Avoid excessive hard braking to extend the lifespan of both components.

Quality Parts:

Use high-quality pads and rotors suitable for your vehicle and driving needs.

To Sum Up

This is all about the rotors and brake pads, their functionality and placement in the vehicle. Now, you might have got some idea about their kind’s and maintenance tips as well. Hope the information would suffice the purpose.