How Long Will New Brake Pads Last on Bad Rotors?
I was driving home from work one day when I heard a strange noise coming from my car. It sounded like a grinding noise, and it was getting louder and louder. I pulled over to the side of the road and got out to take a look. I was horrified to see that my brake pads were completely worn down and that my rotors were badly damaged. I had no idea how this had happened, but I knew I needed to get my car fixed as soon as possible.
I called a tow truck and had my car towed to a mechanic. The mechanic told me that I needed to replace my brake pads and rotors. He also said that the damage to my rotors was so severe that I would need to have them replaced as well. The total cost of the repairs was going to be over $1,000. I was not happy about having to spend that much money, but I knew that I had to get my car fixed.
What are Brake Rotors?
Brake rotors are the metal discs that are attached to the wheels of your car. When you apply the brakes, the brake pads press against the rotors, which slows down the car.
Brake rotors are made of a very hard metal, but they can still be damaged over time. If the rotors are not replaced when they are damaged, they can cause the brake pads to wear down prematurely.
How to Tell if Your Rotors are Bad
There are a few signs that can indicate that your rotors are bad. These signs include:
- A grinding noise when you apply the brakes
- A pulsation in the brake pedal
- A decrease in braking power
- Uneven wear on the brake pads
If you are experiencing any of these signs, it is important to have your brakes checked by a mechanic as soon as possible.
How Long Will New Brake Pads Last on Bad Rotors?
The lifespan of new brake pads will depend on a number of factors, including the quality of the brake pads, the driving conditions, and the condition of the rotors.
In general, new brake pads will last longer on new rotors than on bad rotors. This is because the surface of new rotors is smooth, which allows the brake pads to grip the rotors more effectively. As the rotors wear down, the surface becomes rougher, which can cause the brake pads to wear down more quickly.
If you are driving in a city with a lot of stop-and-go traffic, your brake pads will wear down more quickly than if you are driving on the highway. This is because you are using your brakes more often in stop-and-go traffic.
The quality of the brake pads will also affect how long they last. Some brake pads are made of a harder material than others, which makes them last longer.
On average, new brake pads will last between 20,000 and 50,000 miles. However, if the rotors are bad, the brake pads will wear down more quickly. In some cases, the brake pads may only last a few thousand miles on bad rotors.
Tips for Extending the Life of Your Brake Pads
There are a few things you can do to extend the life of your brake pads:
- Avoid driving in stop-and-go traffic whenever possible
- Use your brakes smoothly and avoid sudden stops
- Have your brakes inspected regularly by a mechanic
- Replace your brake pads when they are worn down
By following these tips, you can help extend the life of your brake pads and save money on repairs.
Expert Advice
In addition to the tips above, here is some expert advice on how to extend the life of your brake pads:
- Choose high-quality brake pads
- Have your brakes inspected every 6 months or 12,000 miles
- Replace your brake pads when they are worn down to 1/4 inch
- Have your rotors resurfaced or replaced when they are damaged
By following these tips, you can help keep your brakes in good condition and extend the life of your brake pads.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about brake rotors and brake pads:
Q: How do I know if my brake rotors are bad?
A: There are a few signs that can indicate that your brake rotors are bad, including a grinding noise when you apply the brakes, a pulsation in the brake pedal, a decrease in braking power, and uneven wear on the brake pads.
Q: How long will new brake pads last on bad rotors?
A: The lifespan of new brake pads on bad rotors will vary depending on a number of factors, but in general, they will wear down more quickly than on new rotors.
Q: What can I do to extend the life of my brake pads?
A: There are a few things you can do to extend the life of your brake pads, including avoiding driving in stop-and-go traffic whenever possible, using your brakes smoothly and avoiding sudden stops, having your brakes inspected regularly by a mechanic, and replacing your brake pads when they are worn down.
Conclusion
Your brake rotors are an important part of your car’s braking system. If your rotors are damaged, it can affect the performance of your brakes and lead to premature wear on your brake pads.
If you are experiencing any signs of brake rotor damage, it is important to have your brakes checked by a mechanic as soon as possible.
Are you interested in learning more about brake rotors and brake pads? If so, please leave a comment below.
