Brake Pads vs Rotors
Brakes are an essential part of our vehicles. They help you moderate your speed, stop your vehicle, and more. Two important components of your brake system are brake pads and brake rotors. Unfamiliar with how these components work?
Ira Toyota Saco is here to answer those questions for drivers near Saco, Portland, and Scarborough, Maine. Here, you can learn the difference between the two and if they should be replaced together. Let’s get started.
What are Brake Pads?
Brake pads are some of the most well-known components of a vehicle’s brake system. The brake pads’ material helps stop your car by creating friction. Over time, the material of the brake pads wears down, leading to replacement.
How often your brake pads need to be replaced will depend on your driving habits, the make/model of your car, the style of the brake pad, and environmental factors.
As your brake pads begin to wear down, there are a few signs you can look for that let you know it’s time to replace them:
- Squealing noises
- Grinding
- Decreased brake functionality
Squealing noises can indicate that the material of your brake pad is running low, causing the wear indicator to make contact with the rotor, which creates a squealing noise. A grinding sound is a similar indication.
When you brake, you may notice that your vehicle is not braking as it used to. It may take longer to stop. This means your brake pads are not doing their job to slow your car down.
What are Brake Rotors?
Brake rotors are disc-shaped brake components that come into contact with brake pads. When the brake pads apply pressure, the rotors slow and then stop your vehicle.
There are four different types of brake rotors:
- Blank and smooth
- Drilled
- Slotted
- Drilled and slotted
The right brake rotor for your vehicle depends on your vehicle type (like a truck, sedan, or SUV) and the performance you expect from your car. A technician can recommend the correct rotors for your vehicle when it’s time to replace them.
Similar to brake pads, a grinding feeling can indicate it’s time for new rotors. You may also notice pulsing or shaking when you brake, which can also indicate your rotors are warped.
Should You Replace Brake Pads and Brake Rotors at the Same Time?
Brake pads and rotors can be replaced at separate service visits. The best choice may depend on the wear of your brake pads and rotors.
Replacing them simultaneously ensures that your vehicle has better braking performance. It may also be safer because there is less risk of developing uneven wear on the brake pads and rotors.
In Need of Brake Service? Visit Our Service Center!
Are your brakes in need of service? Drivers near Saco, Portland, and Scarborough, ME, can schedule service at the Ira Toyota Saco service center. Our highly trained technicians can care for your vehicle and ensure that your brakes function the way they should.
Give us a call or use our online scheduler to schedule your brake service today.