Brake pads and rotors should always be replaced in pairs.
Pairing new pads with worn rotors could result in a lack of proper surface contact between the pads and the rotors, resulting in noise, vibration or less than maximum braking performance. While there are different schools of thought on this matched parts replacement, at ADVICS, our technicians always recommend replacing your brake pads and rotors at the same time to keep your vehicle in top running condition and more importantly, to ensure that the brake system provides the safest performance. and the most reliable stop possible.
Check rotor thickness
Although it is recommended to replace brake pads and rotors at the same time, they are ultimately two separate parts and can be worn differently, so it is important to check the thickness of the rotor as part of your inspection.
Rotors must maintain a certain thickness to provide adequate stopping power, prevent warping, and provide adequate heat dissipation. If the rotors don’t measure thick enough, you’ll know right away they need to be replaced, regardless of the condition of the pads.
Check the wear of the brake pads
Regardless of the condition of the rotors, you should also check the condition and wear of the brake pads. Brake pads can wear in specific patterns that can indicate problems with the brake system, poor rotor condition, and more, so paying close attention to the condition of the brake pads, as well as any wear patterns, is key. that you can detect.
If the pads are worn or worn in specific patterns, beyond the safe point, they should also be replaced regardless of the condition or age of the rotors.
What about turning the rotor?
If during inspection you notice that the surface of the rotors appears damaged or uneven, it may be tempting to rotate or repair them, an option that can be significantly cheaper than equipping the car with new rotors all together.
However, spinning rotors affect rotor thickness, and as we know, rotor thickness is a critical component for safe braking and braking system performance.
If a customer’s budget is really tight and they can’t afford new rotors, turning may be an option, but it is not recommended. You can think of rotor spinning as a short-term solution. As the customer continues to drive, and especially if they just installed new pads but use turned rotors, it will only be a matter of time before the rotors need to be replaced and braking is compromised.
The new pads will apply optimum force to the old machined rotors, wearing them out faster than if they were replaced at the same time as the new brake pads.
The bottom line
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to replace the pads and rotors at the same time will have to be handled on a case-by-case basis.
If the pads and rotors are badly worn, full replacement should always be recommended for optimal safety and reliability.
If wear and tear has occurred and a customer’s budget is limited, you should take whatever action will provide the safest braking for that customer. In some cases, you may have no choice but to turn the rotors, but always make sure you thoroughly explain the pros and cons of doing so.
Ideally, every brake job should consist of brake pad and rotor replacement for each axle, as needed, using ultra-premium parts that are designed to work together.
These are just some of the benefits of using ultra-premium products in the shop, which are then passed on directly to the customer when a complete brake job is performed, which involves replacing the brake pads and rotor as a set.
This article is sponsored by: Advice
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