Keep your eye on brake rotors |
Every vehicle has some kind of braking system. Whether you are in a car, ATV, motorcycle or push bike, somehow, someway you are going to have to eventually bring it to a stop. Braking systems are collection of pads, rotors and calipers that work together to stop the movement of the vehicle. It is an important action and braking systems must always work well. Brake rotors are made of various materials depending on their use, but generally they are cast iron or a ceramic composite. One of the important concerns regarding brake systems is how they handle the heat. When brakes are applied, the pads apply friction which causes the wheel to slow and, if the brakes are not released, the wheel stops. This friction action produces heat and if that heat is allowed to build up, the brakes will get too hot and cease to work efficiently. This is often referred to as warping. So it is important that any brake rotors and pads installed have proper heat dissipation. The brake rotors can also suffer damage due to cracking or scarring. Cracking happens when the disc expands and contracts in certain climates. This can be compared to sidewalks or roadways buckling as they go through seasons of intense heat and cold. When the brake parts expand and contract they can form surface cracks and this affects performance. There is no way to repair cracks, and once they reach a critical level the part has to be replaced. Brake rotors can become scarred when worn pads are not replaced and the hard surface under the pads is exposed. The pads are there to protect the rotor and when the protection is gone, the rotor will be scratched and damaged. Depending on the level of damage this can sometimes be repaired, but in many cases may need to be replaced. Sometimes brake rotors suffer extreme rusting. While some surface rust is normal, excessive rust can damage the parts and weaken it. If a vehicle has been in storage in a damp environment, the rotors can develop rust. You may be able to clean this rust or work the rust off by running the vehicle. Just keep an eye on it and determine if the damage is too far gone. To avoid rust in the first place, you can keep a vehicle out of extreme wet conditions, and allow it to dry off when possible. If keeping in storage, make it a habit to run your vehicle regularly so rust does not build up. Brake rotors are a critical component no matter the kind of vehicle you use. Practice routine maintenance and proactive care. Even if you are pretty handy, take it into a professional mechanic for regular checks and inspections. Good mechanics are knowledgeable and are always updating their skills. They are also up to date with all the new innovations and designs. A trusted and skilled professional mechanic may be able to catch little problems in your vehicles before they become big repairs. |
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