When To Resurface Your Brake Rotors
Is Brake Rotor Resurfacing Right for You?
Should You Resurface Your Brakes?
What do brake pads, engine oil, and air filters have in common? They're all candidates for routine maintenance on your car, truck, or SUV, along with tire rotations and a variety of other services. Each one is critical to keeping your vehicle on the road safely and smoothly.
As a result, your vehicle's manufacturer suggests that each item be serviced regularly according to a maintenance schedule. But what about your brake rotors? Is it necessary to service them as well? Is it possible to resurface them, or do they need to be replaced? This article will examine what rotor resurfacing is and when you should schedule a brake repair service appointment to resurface your brake rotors. If your vehicle shows signs of needing brake repair, come see us at V&F Auto Inc. in Agawam, Massachusetts, today. Our team of brake repair experts is eager to assist you.
What is Brake Rotor Resurfacing?
Resurfacing rotors involves removing some of the metal off the surface until it is smooth and even. Brake rotor resurfacing helps prevent several issues such as putting, excessive noises, and vibrations, and allows as much of each brake pad to touch each rotor as possible for better friction.
When new brake pads were installed in the past, brake rotors were machined or refinished, meaning that a technician would measure the rotors to verify if they fulfilled the manufacturer's minimum thickness requirements. If they did, and there was enough material remaining for resurfacing, the technician would disassemble the brakes, remove the rotors, mount them on a machine, and remove just enough material to smooth them out and make them spin true once more.
However, brake rotors used to be heavy and thick enough to withstand numerous resurfacing operations, allowing them to last through several brake pad replacements. Like the ones on your car, today's rotors are designed to be lighter, meaning they're thinner than older rotors and don't always have adequate room for resurfacing.
When Should Brake Rotors be Resurfaced?
Your rotors may need to be resurfaced if they have been unevenly worn, deformed due to heat, damaged by worn brake pads, or pitted due to corrosion or rust. The ability to resurface the rotors depends on the thickness of the rotors being thick enough to accommodate the process. The brake lathe must remove enough metal to provide a new surface for the brake pads to grip.
To assess if there is enough material to work with, a technician will visually inspect the rotors for signs of damage and take accurate measurements. Resurfacing is possible when the rotors are thick enough for it, and the minimum thickness limit is not exceeded. As a general rule, most manufacturers and technicians recommend that brake rotors be resurfaced anytime brake pads are replaced to ensure that the contact surface of the rotor will mate properly with the pads for smooth and safe braking.
Professional Brake Repair in Agawam, Massachusetts
The most crucial safety aspect of your vehicle is its braking system. All drivers are encouraged to keep a lookout for brake repair needs. If your car, truck, or SUV shows signs of needing a brake inspection, the certified team of brake experts at V&F Auto Inc. is ready to help. We are a firm believer in routine maintenance in every car’s brake system, and our team is dedicated to keeping you and your passengers safe while driving. Give us a call or come visit us in Agawam, Massachusetts, today to schedule a brake repair service appointment for your vehicle.