When your brakes start making strange noises or when your pedal feels different, you might start to panic. However, it’s easy to assume you need new brakes. It’s not always this straightforward though. Rotors can cause the same symptoms, leaving drivers unsure about which component actually needs replacing.
How do you tell if you need new rotors, or new brake pads in Calgary? At our auto shop in Calgary, we help drivers diagnose the problem so they only pay for the repairs they actually need. Let’s discuss the differences and signs to watch for.
Understanding the Difference between Brake Pads and Rotors
Your braking system is made up of multiple parts that work together. They are:
- Brake Pads: These parts create friction when clamped against the rotor, which slows down your vehicle.
- Brake Rotors: These are metal discs attached to your wheels. The pads press against them to stop the vehicle.
Brake pads wear down quicker because they’re designed to absorb friction. Rotors take longer to wear, but are costly to replace and play a major role in how smoothly your vehicle stops.
Why should you know the difference? It helps identify symptoms of each problem and prevents unnecessary repairs.
Sings You Need New Brake Pads
When it comes to brake pad issues, they are the easiest to recognize. Watch out for the following:
- Squealing or Squeaking Noises: A high-pitched brake sound is caused by the pad’s wear indicator, which lets you know that the pads are getting thin.
- Grinding Sounds: If you hear grinding, your pads may be completely worn down, revealing the metal backing. This can damage your rotors, leading to a more costly brake repair in Calgary.
- Soft or Spongy Pedal: If your brakes aren’t as responsive, your pads aren’t providing enough friction.
- Thin Brake Pads: Pads thinner than 3 mm should be replaced right away.
- Longer Stopping: If you need more time to stop, your pads might not be gripping properly.
Have you noticed any of these signs? Schedule a brake inspection with My Calgary Mechanic.
Signs You Need New Rotors
Rotor problems create noticeable vibration or performance issues. Look out for the following:
- Vibration or Pulsating When Braking: This is the most obvious sign of a warped rotor. You’ll feel shaking in the brake pedal or sometimes throughout the whole vehicle.
- Steering Wheel Shaking: If your steering wheel shakes when braking, your rotors might be uneven.
- Deep Grooves on the Rotor Surface: Grooves or scoring indicate wear as a result of metal-on-metal contact.
- Blue Discoloration: If your rotors have blue spots, they have overheated, which causes warping or hard spots.
- Burning Smell After Braking: Overheating rotors or seized calipers can leave behind a burning odour.
- Vehicle Pulling to One Side: Uneven rotor wear or inconsistent braking force can cause directional pulling.
Experiencing vibrations or seeing visible rotor damage? Book a brake inspection in Calgary and we’ll measure thickness and check for warping.
Do Rotors Always Need to Be Replaced with Brake Pads?
No, this isn’t always the case. Use our rule of thumb to know what needs replacing when.
You only need new pads if:
- The rotors are still above minimum thickness
- There is no warping or pulsation
- Grooves are minimal and can be resurfaced
You need new rotors when:
- They’re below minimum thickness
- Warped or uneven
- Heavily scored
- Overheated or discolored
- Rust-damaged (common in Calgary winters)
Calgary has salt-heavy winter roads. It can accelerate rust, which leads to rotors often being replaced earlier than they would in milder climates.
Risks of Replacing Only One Component When Both Are Worn
When both parts are worn, replacing them together is your best bet. When you only do either or, you risk:
- Poor braking performance
- Premature pad wear
- Persistent vibrations
- Longer stopping distances
- Higher repair costs down the road
At My Calgary Mechanic, we explain when pads alone are safe and when rotors have to be replaced too so you can stay safe on the road.
Schedule a Brake Inspection to Uncover the Problem
At first glance, brake pad and rotor issues seem fairly similar. However, they aren’t. An accurate diagnosis from a technician at My Calgary Mechanic will help you determine what you’re experiencing and what needs to be replaced.
Wondering whether you should replace your brake pads, rotors or both? Contact us to schedule an inspection today!
