Brake Rotors Explained: What to Look for & Maintenance Tips
Contents
The brakes on our vehicles are one of the most important and fundamental components that, believe it or not, didn’t always come installed onto vehicles. While it took some time for the first-ever braking system to be made, it didn’t work or use the same components as today’s systems. Today’s braking systems rely on what is known as the rotor. While the rotor is not part of the braking system, it plays a huge role in how that system operates.
The rotor is attached to the tire’s hub and used with disc brakes. Rotors are made up of two iron discs connected by ribs. When you press the brake pedal, the brake calliper pushes the pads onto the rotor which then slows down the vehicle. You could say that rotors such as the ones from major manufacturers such as RDA act much like a link between the wheel and braking system.
Are RDA Rotors Any Good?
Some of the most well-known rotor brands are RDA and DBA. While you could argue all day which one is best, it really depends on the model of your vehicle and whether DBA or RDA rotors are more suitable for it. RDA may have rotors that are good for one model and DBA may have better rotors for a different make but same model. All in all, both brands are considered to manufacture top-notch products.
What Should I Look for When Buying Rotors?
Types
There are three types of rotors – drilled, slotted and solid. Solid, or also known as conventional rotors, are two solid pieces of iron put together that act as the rotor.
Drilled rotors come with holes drilled into them. Having holes on the rotor might sound like a bad idea but it actually helps with one major issue that their solid counterparts have – heat. With holes drilled into the rotor, the heat dissipates easier which makes braking better and contributes to the overall safety of your vehicle.
Slotted rotors have slots carved onto the surface. These slots do not only guide heat and gas away but also allow water to escape more easily. Slotted brake rotors are used in high-performance cars as they are built from sturdier materials.
Material
Rotors are mainly made from two main materials – cast iron and aluminium. Cast iron rotors are sturdier and heavier than aluminium rotors but not as affordable. You have one more option here but keep in mind that it’s more expensive – a rotor made of carbon. These rotors are best at dissipating heat which means they provide the best performance gains.
Thickness
The thickness of DBA or RDA rotors will affect how durable it is, not just the material it’s made of. The thicker the rotor, the longer you’ll be able to use it as the more there is to wear out even when pushing your vehicle to the limit. This doesn’t mean that you should do so as this way you shorten the lifespan of the rotors and pads too. If you want to have your rotors and pads for a long time, then following some simple driving tips can help you in your mission.
Rotor Maintenance Tips
Speed
To prevent wearing out your pads and rotors faster than the usual, you should slow down. Speed is your enemy here as the faster you drive the more you’ll end up using the brakes. The more you use them, the quicker they will wear out. I’m not saying that you shouldn’t use them when you actually need to but you can minimise their use if you drive at the recommended speed.
Check
No matter how well you drive your car, if you don’t maintain your rotors there won’t be any significant results. The first and best place to start is to inspect the rotors for any issues. This way, you can clearly tell how much longer your pads and rotors can last and whether they need to be replaced or not. Inspecting the rotors yourself requires some time and effort and if you can’t do it yourself, visit your local mechanic and ask them to check the rotors and pads for you. Either way, this is the best way to become aware of the state of your rotors.
Flush
While the rotors themselves don’t use brake fluid, the system they work with does. This fluid can get filled with all kinds of debris over time which is why you need to flush it. Since the brake fluid is found in the lines, you need to flush the brake lines in this case. Doing so will not only keep your braking system working at a top-level but it will also protect your rotors from getting worn out quicker. If your brakes don’t work properly the rotors won’t too. So, by taking care of the brakes you’re looking after the rotors at the same time.
