Why rotors rust

Drive, then apply the brakes normally. Your rotors should be shiny. If this is the case, you've got nothing to be concerned about. Shopping for a new car? Use Globe Drive's new car search to compare makes, models, prices and more.

Buy a vehicle that retains its resale value well If you really want to save money on your next car purchase, appreciate a slow depreciation. Follow us on Twitter: globedrive Opens in a new window. Report an error. Editorial code of conduct. Skip to main content. How efficiently the rotors cool themselves. How the vehicle is driven. Braking style of the driver aggressive or easy. Rotors can sometimes be resurfaced, depending on the amount of wear. When rotors are resurfaced, a mechanic grinds down the surface of the rotors and makes them smooth and flat again.

This will only work if the rotors are not warped or cracked. Here are some other factors considered when deciding to resurface, rather than replace rotors:. Rotor Thickness - Original equipment rotors used to be made with enough thickness to go two or more brake pad replacements.

However, some cars being made now use thinner rotors to save weight and cost. Consequently, the rotors may be worn down to minimum thickness specifications which is usually marked on the casting itself by the time the first set of brake pads need to be replaced.

The minimum thickness specification is an important factor because it is the minimum thickness that provides safe braking. As a rotor wears and becomes thinner, it has less mass. It also reduces the strength of the rotor, increasing the risk of cracking or even breaking rotor failure. Corrosion - If a car is parked and not driven for a period of time a week or more the rotors will start to rust.

Rust is bad because it weakens rotors over time, and makes the brakes noisy when the vehicle is first driven after being parked. For most cases, if you leave your car parked outside overnight in the rain, starting your car then coming to a stop once will be enough to wipe the surface rust off your rotors. Because oxidation and rust eat away at the metal, it is important to drive your car regularly and engage the brakes in order to wipe off the accumulated oxidation on the surface of your rotor.

Surface rust becomes a problem once it gets deeper and starts eating away at the structural integrity of the disc. Either fix is not always needed but if, however, you find that your rotor is beyond the normal fix, then you might need to take your car to a machine shop where they will grind away the rusted surface of the disc leaving a nice clean and bare area for your calipers to clamp down and your brake pads to make good contact. If the damage is too severe, or your machine shop deems your rotor beyond repair, then getting a new set of rotors will solve your issue.

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