How long do brake discs last?
Does your car have brake discs? This is no surprise as brake discs are the modern and popular braking system used in the majority of cars today. Given nearly every car owner will encounter a brake disc these days, you probably want to know how often they need to be replaced.
In normal driving conditions, it’s safe to assume that your brake discs will last close to the estimated service interval timeframe. However, this is just a recommendation and you should definitely take action if you think something is wrong.
If you hear a grinding noise or other brake noise, it might be time to visit the mechanic. We’ll cover more about common signs and symptoms below, so be sure to keep reading.
When do brake replacements happen?
Since brake discs (also known as brake rotors) utilise wearing components like brake pads, both will inevitably need to be replaced periodically. For car owners, it’s figuring out a matter of when.
A good rule of thumb is to check your brake discs around every 100,000 km. Most cars will have a regular service interval to adhere to which suggests when you should check and replace, you can find this in your owner’s manual. However, not all cars are the same and neither are their drivers.
It depends on a variety of factors including:
- How often do you drive
- How far you drive (e.g. motorway driving vs city driving)
- What conditions do you drive in
- What type of driving do you engage in (racing vs commuting vs off-roading etc.) For example, regular aggressive braking will reduce the discs’ lifespan.
Based on your driving style, you can roughly estimate how long your brake rotors will last and also when you will need replacement rotors.
If you’re having trouble determining when is best to get your brakes checked or you suspect a component is abnormally worn, get in touch with your mechanic as soon as possible.
Speak to the Natrad team today for specialist advice on your brakes. Procrastinating on brake problems, even minor ones, can lead to dangerous incidents and unsafe braking performance.
Brake disc signs and symptoms
If your brakes are not due for a service, but something seems off, you could be experiencing premature wear or failure. Read below for some common signs and symptoms that you need a replacement:
- Extreme warping: due to excessive heat, the brake disc can become warped, leading to abnormal wear and performance. This one is tricky to spot, so if you feel that your brakes are not working as efficiently as normal, it’s best to get things checked by a professional.
- Warning light: Usually, brake pads have a warning light, indicating that they are worn. If they become too worn they can begin scraping against the disc, which could also require a replacement of the discs.
- Brake pedal feel: if there is a change in how the brake pedal feels, soft & spongy or you require excessive force to brake – something’s wrong. A soft brake pedal is especially dangerous as you may have lost pressure in the brake fluid and lines, making it hard for the brakes to respond. Seek help immediately.
- Noisy brakes: some squeaking is normal but if you hear grinding or loud squealing, it might be more sinister. Your brake pads may be worn or the wear indicator could be digging into the brake discs.
- Control: if you are veering to one side and you’re having to use the steering wheel frequently to correct during braking, something might be wrong. You might also experience vibrating or juddering when pressing the pedal.
If any of this sounds familiar, make sure to book into your local Natrad as soon as possible. Ignoring brake problems is not safe either for you, or other drivers on the road.
What next?
Is your service interval coming up, or maybe you sense an issue with your brakes? No problem.
We are here to help with any of your braking needs and we can inspect, diagnose and replace your braking system as needed. All replacement parts are backed by our nationwide warranty and come from globally recognised manufacturers Mintex and Nisshinbo.
can. However, sometimes this noise can indicate a more serious problem. Meaning the potentially unusual wearing of the brake disc or drum, or damage to a bearing somewhere. If you hear this noise, it’s a good idea to book in at your nearest mechanic to inspect your brakes as soon as possible just to ensure. Luckily, brake pads are an affordable expense and an easy fix.
