You know the feeling when you step on the brakes and the pedal goes all the way to the floor before the car even starts to slow down. Or maybe you’ve noticed some squealing or grinding noises lately when braking. Chances are your brake pads or rotors need some attention. Don’t worry though, you’ve come to the right place. At AllRotors.com, we’re the brake experts with the parts, how-to guides, and tips to get your car stopping smoothly and safely again in no time. With just a few tools and a little elbow grease, you can do the job yourself and save some cash. And our massive inventory means we’ll have the exact brake pads and rotors for your make and model ready to ship straight to your door. So don’t ride those worn out brakes another mile. Let’s get your brakes fixed and get you back on the road.
Understanding Your Vehicle’s Braking System
Your vehicle’s braking system is crucial for safe driving, so it’s important to understand how it works. The two main components are the brake pads and brake rotors. The brake pads clamp down on the rotors to slow and stop your vehicle.
- The Brake Pads: The brake pads are the friction material that presses against the rotors. As you apply the brakes, the pads squeeze the rotors to slow the wheels. Over time, the pads wear down and need replacement. If your brake pedal starts feeling spongy or vibrates, it’s probably time for new pads.
- The Brake Rotors: The rotors are the metal discs that spin with your wheels. The brake pads grip the rotors to stop your vehicle. Rotors can warp or wear down over time and may need resurfacing or replacement. Many vehicles have vented rotors with holes and slots to dissipate heat, which is important for effective braking.
When replacing your brake pads, it’s a good idea to have your rotors checked as well. If they’re worn or damaged, new pads won’t seat properly and your braking performance will suffer. For the best stopping power and safety, replace your pads and rotors together.
How to Recognize Worn Brake Pads and Rotors?
If your brakes are squealing, grinding, or vibrating, it’s time to check your brake pads and rotors. As the friction material on the pads wears down, it’s common to experience these signs of brake wear. Waiting too long can damage your rotors and reduce braking power, so inspect your brakes regularly. Look for thin, worn down pads. Normal brake pads will have grooves and texture on the friction material. If the pad is worn smooth or down to 1/4 inch thick, replacement is needed. You may need to remove the wheel to properly check pad thickness. Check for grooves, scoring or discoloration on the rotor surface. As the pads wear down, the rotor also shows signs of damage. Deep grooves, discoloration from overheating, or a rough, uneven surface indicate the rotor should be resurfaced or replaced along with the pads. Test for vibration or noise when braking. If the steering wheel, brake pedal or seat vibrates when braking, it usually means the rotors have become warped or damaged. Grinding noises are also a sign the pads are completely worn down to the metal. Brake pads and rotors wear at different rates depending on your driving style and conditions. The average driver will need a brake job every 20,000 to 60,000 miles. But for high performance driving or towing heavy loads, brake service may be needed more often.
Braking Tips for Safe Driving
1. Control your speed
The faster you’re going, the longer it will take to stop. Obey the posted speed limits and leave enough distance between you and other vehicles so you have time to react in an emergency. Drive defensively and anticipate situations where you may have to brake suddenly.
2. Press steadily and firmly
Slamming on the brakes will only increase your stopping distance and could cause your wheels to lock up. Apply firm and steady pressure to the brake pedal. The harder you press, the more brake pressure is applied. But push hard enough to activate the anti-lock braking system which will pulse the brakes for the shortest stopping distance.
3. Use both feet if necessary
In an emergency situation, using both feet to apply the brake pedal can help maximize pressure and activate the ABS system sooner. Just be careful not to hit the gas pedal by mistake. Practice this braking technique in an open, traffic-free area until you get the feel of it.
4. Consider your vehicle’s braking system
The larger the vehicle, the more time and distance required to stop. If you’re driving a heavily loaded vehicle or towing a trailer, allow significantly more following distance and begin braking earlier. Be very careful braking on loose or slippery road surfaces like gravel, sand, snow or ice. Pump the brakes to avoid skidding or sliding.
5. Stay alert at all times
The most important braking tip is to avoid needing to brake suddenly in the first place. Stay focused on the road and your surroundings. Scan for potential hazards like vehicles stopping or slowing ahead of you, pedestrians entering the roadway, debris in your path. Anticipate situations where you may need to react quickly and take your foot off the gas, covering the brake pedal with your foot to reduce reaction time.
Following these essential braking tips will give you more control over your vehicle and help avoid emergency braking situations. Develop the habit of defensive driving, leave ample following distance, control your speed and stay fully alert. Be prepared to react promptly and properly if braking becomes necessary.
Brake Rotor Size Finder on AllRotors.com
Head to brake rotor size finder on allrotors.com and select the make, model, year, and trim level of your vehicle. Our database contains sizing information for thousands of vehicles so we can quickly determine the correct rotor size for your specific ride. If for some reason we don’t have your vehicle info in our database, you can easily measure your current rotors to determine the size you need. All you need is a tape measure or caliper. Measure the diameter of the rotor in inches—this is the most important dimension. You’ll also want to note the bolt pattern, center hole size, and rotor thickness in millimeters. With your rotor measurements in hand, compare to the sizing charts on our site to find a match. Once you’ve selected the proper rotor size, you can place your order with confidence knowing you’re getting high-quality rotors engineered specifically for your vehicle. And with our fast, free shipping, your new rotors will be at your door in no time so you can get back on the road safely.
Conclusion
So as you can see, the size of your brake rotors really matters when it comes to stopping power and safety. Pay attention to the telltale signs of worn pads and don’t put off checking or replacing your rotors. Proper braking technique will also help you stop smoothly while preserving your brakes. When in doubt, the experts at AllRotors.com have all the parts, advice and service you need to keep you rolling safely down the road. With their unbeatable wholesale prices and fast shipping, AllRotors.com is your Canadian source for premium brake rotors, pads and more.
