how do i choose rotors

Call your local OEM dealer and ask for the original rotor sizes or OEM rotor/pads part numbers based on your vehicle’s VIN number (VIN# is referenced in your ownership papers). The dealership may not tell you the rotor size, but they will give you the genuine part numbers for your vehicle.

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How to choose the best brake rotors for Your Ride?

If you seek a rotor for a specific performance need, from rainy weather to race performance, then you now have the information that you need to be able to select in confidence the best brake rotors for your ride. No matter the type of brake rotor you choose, pay attention to how your vehicle drives and how it brakes.

How do I know if I need new brake rotors?

Your brake mechanic will look for deformations, etched-in ware patterns, and other signs of distress, before recommending new rotors. If you need new rotors, you'll want to find a brake pad and rotor set that fits your budget.

When should I replace my brake rotors?

When the brake rotors are pitted or have grooves in them, you will need to replace them for consistent braking. Finding what proper size rotors to use is something you should need to know when you replace them.

What size rotors do I need for my car?

Particular rotors size may depend on your trim (sub-model), vehicle’s country of origin, sports/performance package, transmission type, engine size, and numerous other options. It can be tricky to confirm the right fit, so we got a few suggestions to help you out.

How do I know what brake rotors to buy?

Call your local OEM dealer and ask for the original rotor sizes or OEM rotor/pads part numbers based on your vehicle's VIN number (VIN# is referenced in your ownership papers). The dealership may not tell you the rotor size, but they will give you the genuine part numbers for your vehicle.

How do I know what size rotors I need for my car?

0:211:13How to Measure Your Rotors' Diameter - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you're still unsure the diameter of your rotor. Give the dealership a call give them your VINMoreIf you're still unsure the diameter of your rotor. Give the dealership a call give them your VIN number and they'll be able to help you out on those specifics.

Is there a difference in the quality of rotors?

Unfortunately, there's no way to judge the quality of a rotor by its appearance alone. An economy rotor may appear to be nearly identical to a premium-quality rotor, but the metallurgy is often far different. There are many different grades of cast iron, and some make much better brake rotors than others.

Are drilled and slotted rotors better than solid rotors?

Given the choice between drill holes and slots, the drill holes will give you better braking power over slots for normal city/highway driving. This is why high end BMW, Porsche, Corvette, and Mercedes rotors are drilled, not slotted. However, for track racing (high speed stops), slotted rotors are the better choice.

Does the size of the rotor matter?

The simplest brake upgrade, to gain sheer stopping power, is upsizing rotor size. You can exchange brake pads, experimenting with different material compounds for feel and durability, but rotor size has a much more significant influence on absolute brake performance.

How do you check rotors without removing wheels?

2:073:37How to Check the Condition of Your Brake Pads (without removing your ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLittle hole in them as we can see it as well as explained before. Right here on the tip of my fingerMoreLittle hole in them as we can see it as well as explained before. Right here on the tip of my finger. That is the backing material. And just between the back material.

Are expensive rotors worth it?

Higher end rotors will offer more precise machining and in some cases different steel content, such as a higher carbon content. This can result in a better rotors that is more resistant to brake fade and thermal cracking under extreme heat and a decreased chance of warping over time.

Are coated rotors worth it?

The reason for coating rotors is to prevent rust from forming on the rotor. If rust is allowed to form, it will eat away at the metal and cause chunks of material to break off. While coated rotors do cost an additional amount, they are more durable and will last longer than uncoated rotors.

Are solid or vented rotors better?

Vented rotors are a better option than traditional solid rotors. They dissipate heat better and don't warp or fade as much as solid rotors.

Why drilled and slotted rotors are bad?

Drilled & slotted rotors are not recommended for performance racing since the drilling makes them vulnerable to cracking.

Why do my drilled and slotted rotors make noise?

When braking, cross-drilled and slotted rotors tend to make noise. A small popping noise is normal, as this is the sound of the pad going over the slots/holes. Unless you have full race brakes, a squealing sound is not normal.

Is Powerstop a good brand?

Powerstops brake kits upgrades are available for over 90% of automobiles in existence. And as far as the brand is concerned there is nothing but praise for it. This is true to an extent. Most Powerstop brake kit reviews on Amazon are nothing short of five star praise.

Can I put bigger rotors on my car?

Just installing larger rotors won't do anything for performance and you may have clearance issues with the smaller caliper brackets, not to mention out of spec rotor wear that might cause braking issues. If you want to change rotor size, you should be installing calipers to match.

How do you measure brake pads and rotors?

0:504:50How to Measure Brake Pads - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe pad width consists of the backing plate and friction material excluding any overhanging clips.MoreThe pad width consists of the backing plate and friction material excluding any overhanging clips. The pad is measured from the bottom edge of the back plate to the top edge.

How do you measure a rotor hat height?

Hold a gauge across the top of the brake rotor hat. Then using a detailed measuring tool, measure the distance from the face of the brake rotor to the hat height gauge.

Are front and rear rotors the same?

The front and rear brake rotors are not the same. The front rotors are bigger than the rear rotors. So, technically, they do not perform the same job. The front rotors handle most of the braking power, and that's why the front pads wear faster than the rear pads.

What is the best rotor for street driving?

Rotors that are both drilled and slotted are best for street applications. Choose cross-drilled and slotted rotors if you’re looking for long brake life and good stopping performance in street driving. These rotors do a great job dissipating heat.

Why do you need cross drilled brake rotors?

Cross-drilled brake rotors offer even more friction and stopping power than slotted rotors. Uneven rotor wear is one of the primary concerns. More serious is the risk of stress cracks forming from rigorous racing conditions.

What is slotted rotor?

Slotted rotors provide higher friction levels than solid surface or smooth brake rotors, making them a popular choice among competition drivers and heavy truck operators. The extra bite provides enhanced stopping power for trucks towing heavy loads. On the downside, brake pad life will be slightly less and hard braking at higher speeds will emit some pedal flutter.

Why do brake rotors have surface cuts?

The surface cuts allow more air to reach the rotor surface, more effectively dissipating heat which allows your brakes to run cooler. The downside to the cuts is that by reducing the rotor’s surface area, you’re also eliminating some braking force. Which is why when selecting brake rotors, application is everything.

What is the first step to achieving brake performance?

Upgrading your tires and shocks is an ideal first step to achieving the brake performance you seek. As for brake rotors, you have a lot of options. We’ll cover many of them, highlighting the pros and cons of each. There are many types, most of which are differentiated by the type of cuts on the rotor surface—slots, dimples, holes, etc.

What are solid surface rotors made of?

Solid surface rotors. Solid, or smooth-surface, brake rotors are typically made of solid cast iron, and are most often found in standard OE applications on non-performance vehicles. The upside of solid surface brake rotors is that they typically have a longer life than brake rotors with cut surfaces. They are relatively quiet and don’t produce much ...

Is a brake rotor the most important part?

Brake rotors are no different. A good brake system is an important piece of the ultimate-stopping-power puzzle, but it’s not the most important part.

Why is it important to choose a slotted brake rotor?

If the brake rotors are not properly machined, from the inner to the outer edges, they can crack sooner than they otherwise would or should. This style of brake rotor delivers improved consistency with every stop, by reducing the friction in ...

Why are drilled brake rotors better than slotted brake rotors?

The bite is better with these brake rotors because the drilled holes give the water a place to escape, thus drying off the braking system components when water is present. Less water means a better bite and improved brake rotor performance.

Why do drilled rotors crack?

While drilled rotors have a lot to recommend them, they can wear unevenly and may develop cracks when used in racing vehicles due to the heat and temperature extremes of a race. Drilled brake rotors also tend to wear in concentric grooved styles, which can look funny when the rotors are aged if the drilled hole patterns are not staggered. While this does not impact the performance of the brake rotors, it can affect the vehicle aesthetic and sensitive drivers may prefer to select a different style of brake rotor or else change out their rotors more often.

Why is the bite better on brakes?

The bite is better with these brake rotors because the drilled holes give the water a place to escape, thus drying off the braking system components when water is present. Less water means a better bite and improved brake rotor performance.

What is a slotted rotor?

Slotted Only – Slotted rotors have slots, which look like lines in the metal. Drilled & Slotted – Drilled and slotted brake rotors combine the drill marking and slot marking. Blank or Smooth – As the name suggests, blank or smooth brake rotors have a smooth or plain surface, with no holes or markings in the metal.

Is it better to have a blank rotor or a slotted rotor?

There are not many cons to having a blank rotor. Some drivers have a misconception that they should choose slotted or drilled rotors over blank rotors for superior performance. This is not necessarily true, so do not feel the need to select a particular type of brake rotor over the misunderstanding that it is better than another style of brake rotor. It all depends on how you drive your vehicle and how you would like it to stop.

Do slotted brake rotors have a longer life?

Slotted brake rotors are not without their disadvantages: They tend to have a shorter life compared with other types of brake rotors, and may shorten the life of brake pads as well. When you are coming to a stop from a high speed, you can feel a rumble from the rotors. They will still perform safely; you may just find the noise unpleasant.

How much does it cost to replace a brake rotor?

But if you find it tough to stop your car, you'll have no other choice. Costs for replacing the brake rotor vary around $200 to $400 and the labor costs about $150.

What is brake rotor?

Brake rotors are an important component in the braking system that stops your vehicle. Brake rotors (they're also called brake discs) are what your vehicle's brake pads clamp down on to stop the wheels from spinning. Eventually, the rotors become less effective and then not effective at all. Replacing the warped or damaged brake rotors is vital, ...

How long do brake rotors last?

Brake rotor can normally last between 30,000 and 75,000 miles, but it can last much longer with high-quality brake rotors.

Why do you need a slotted brake rotor?

With each stop, the slotted brake rotor provides greater consistency by reducing friction in the brake pads. They also help to improve the braking performance by eliminating the gas and dust that is stuck between the brake pad and disc rotor. But if you have to choose between drilled or slotted rotors, drilled ones are the best as they offer better braking power for normal/highway/city driving than slotted rotors.

Why upgrade brake rotors?

The potential reason as to why you must upgrade your brake rotors is improved performance and better vehicle safety. Upgrading brake rotors will help you in the following ways: Better Braking Performance - If the disc brake rotor on your vehicle is worn out, then they can affect the braking performance.

How to stop a car with a brake disc?

1. Choosing The Right Brake Rotor. Brake discs, also known as Rotors, are the component of the braking system. As you hit the brake pedal, the brake rotors are squeezed tightly between the two brake pads creating friction. This friction helps your vehicle to slow down and then finally stop.

Why do rotors have holes?

This provides a long braking performance for the vehicle and reduces the brake fade during heavy braking. Also, the holes help the water escape quickly during wet weather before it affects the initial braking. If you are a car enthusiast looking for a rotor upgrade that performs great in all-weather, then the cross-drilled rotors are the best choice.

How to find rotor size?

Call your local OEM dealer and ask for the original rotor sizes or OEM rotor/pads part numbers based on your vehicle’s VIN number (VIN# is referenced in your ownership papers). The dealership may not tell you the rotor size, but they will give you the genuine part numbers for your vehicle. You can then shop at other sources using those part numbers. However, if your car has been upgraded with HD/performance brakes at a later date, the dealer would only know your original factory configuration and would be unaware of this upgrade.

When will rotors be available for 2020?

August 15, 2020. More often than not, there are multiple rotor & pad sizes available for a given model. These sizes are not interchangeable, and you must get the right one to fit on your car.

Can you use a vented rotor with a solid rotor?

Keep in mind, that vented and solid rotor options are not interchangeable in a majority of cases. For example, if your car has a solid rear rotor, you will not be able to fit a vented rotor without first upgrading your calipers.

What is the rotor on a car?

Also known as brake discs, rotors are the component of your braking system that get squeezed between the calipers/pads in order to stop the wheels from turning. Think of a big metal donut being squished between your thumb and index finger. Rotors take a lot of abuse, therefore you need to make sure to replace them when they exhibit signs of wear.

What is a drilled rotor?

Drilled: These rotors have holes drilled clean through them in order to diffuse heat. These are best for towing, as well as performance-related applications.

How to tell when brake discs need replacing?

How do you tell when brake discs need replacing? There will typically be vibration when performing moderate to high speed braking – vibration at lower speeds means the damage is more advanced, while vibration only when high-speed braking indicates less severe warping. There are three main types of brake rotors:

Why aren't brake discs good for off roading?

Drilled discs aren’t ideal for off-roading, however, due to the tendency of mud to clog the holes. Slotted: These brake discs have grooves – or channels – that allow for some heat dissipation as well as serve to keep the brake pads cleaner. The grooves do not go all the way through the metal. Slotted rotors are typically good for most ...

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Do brake rotors have a lifetime warranty?

They only allow replacement under certain conditions, normally defects. A few high-end performance brake companies do provide a life time warranty so you must decide on a balance between price and guarantee.

Is a slotted rotor good?

Slotted rotors are typically good for most of the same purposes as drilled. When you are ready to invest in some new brake rotors keep a few things in mind make sure you’re getting the best quality for your money: Go with a trusted name: Brakes are one area of your car where you shouldn’t seek a big bargain on parts.

How to tell what size rotor you need?

Another way to get a good idea of the size of rotor you will need for your vehicle is to measure the diameter of the used rotor. This will give you a fairly accurate reading.

Where is the size stamped on a rotor?

It will be in millimeters and usually on the wheel side of the rotor.

What part of a car must be replaced?

H.R. Helm. on Nov 08, 2019. One of the parts that you must replace in a car with lots of use is the brake rotors. The rotors are the part that the actual brake pad compresses onto in order to stop the vehicle.

How Much Do Brake Rotors Cost?

If you're experiencing brake issues, it's common for your mechanic to take a look at both your brake pads and your rotors. Your brake mechanic will look for deformations, etched-in ware patterns, and other signs of distress, before recommending new rotors. If you need new rotors, you'll want to find a brake pad and rotor set that fits your budget.

How much does it cost to replace rotors?

The average rotor replacement cost is between $400 and $600 depending on your vehicle and the work involved.

What Are The Different Types of Brake Rotors?

When it comes time to replace your rotors, keep in mind that not all rotors are made the same. In fact, there are four different types to choose from, so before replacing your vehicle's rotors, make sure you're choosing the right one for your needs. The four different rotor types are:

Why are performance rotors so good?

These benefits of performance rotor types have their own setbacks, the largest being durability. Because material has been removed from the surface, the edges can wear away brake pads faster than traditional smooth surfaces. The removed material also decreases the durability of the rotor, and are more prone to cracks.

How many times do brake rotors work?

What Are Brake Rotors And How Do They Work? If you are like most American drivers, you will apply your brakes around 200 times a day. That is 200 times you entrust your safety to 40+ components to bring you to a stop. Some of the main components in the stopping effectiveness of your vehicle are your rotors, which work to dissipate heat created ...

Why do brake pads have slots?

The slots are designed to draw more air in between the pad and rotor surface, which improves cooling and heat dispersion. They're also designed to help remove excess brake debris and pad glaze that can occur at higher temperatures.

What is rotor in a car?

The rotors are the circular discs that are connected to each wheel (two in the front and two in the back). Rotors are designed to turn motion (kinetic energy) into thermal energy (heat). As the calipers squeeze your brake pads together, the rotors’ large surface area creates friction. This friction resists the spin of the wheel, ...