Brake Pads vs Rotors
Brake Pads vs Rotors
From the driver’s perspective, the function of car brakes seems relatively simple: press the pedal and the car slows down. Of course, the inner mechanics that make the brakes work are much more complex.
At Faulkner Honda, we’re here to “brake” down a common confusion regarding brake parts: How do brake pads differ from brake rotors?
If you’re a driver in Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg, and Hershey, PA, looking to learn more about how these parts compare, read on!
Brake Pads vs. Rotors: What Is a Brake Pad?
In a car’s braking system, a number of parts work together to slow, and eventually stop, the car. Brake pads are key components of that system since they’re the pieces that apply pressure to the spinning brake rotors. This pressure is what eventually causes the vehicle to come to a halt.
There are several types of brake pads, including organic, ceramic, and metallic. Let’s see how they differ:
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Organic brake pads |
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Ceramic brake pads |
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Metallic brake pads |
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Clearly, the brake pads have a big job to do. By taking on the force of a rapidly spinning disc and the entire weight of the vehicle, the brake pads undergo wear and tear gradually over time.
Because of this, brake pads need to be inspected, repaired, or replaced frequently, although the lifespan of your brake pads will depend significantly on your driving habits.
Brake Pads vs. Rotors: How Often Should I Get My Pads Inspected?
Typically, city drivers brake more often than rural drivers and may need to get their brake pads replaced more often. Generally, you should aim to get your brake pads inspected every 5,000 to 10,000 miles or when you get your vehicle’s engine oil changed.
But don’t worry—that's why we’re here! If you’re in need of a brake pad replacement or repair, give us a call today.
Brake Pads vs. Rotors: What Is a Brake Rotor?
As we mentioned previously, when a car brakes, its brake pads apply pressure and friction to the brake rotors. The two parts work in tandem to slow and stop the vehicle, and thus are equally important.
Also known as brake discs, brake rotors spin and eventually come to a stop as the vehicle decelerates. Just like brake pads, there are different types of brake rotors on the market: drilled and slotted rotors.
Drilled brake rotors, as the name implies, have holes drilled in them, and the holes function to keep heat, gas, and water away from the rotor surface. This causes the brake performance to excel and allows less wear and tear on the brake pads.
Slotted brake rotors are typically used for high-performance vehicles, such as luxury cars or sports cars, because they’re more equipped to handle extreme stress. Instead of holes, slots are carved into the rotors to move gas, heat, and water away from the surface. However, with slotted brake rotors, brake pads have to be replaced more often due to the intense pressure.
When you go to have your brake pads checked, it’s a good idea to have the brake rotors inspected, too. Luckily, our expert technicians excel in repairing both parts. Come by the dealership and we’ll set you up with an appointment!
Replace Your Brake Pads Today!
As you can see, brake pads and rotors are important pieces in your vehicle’s braking system. Because braking is an essential function of safety, we recommend you get them both inspected regularly.
Here at Faulkner Honda, we’re ready to assist drivers in Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg, and Hershey, PA, and ensure their vehicles contain healthy braking systems. Just like the brake pad and the rotor, we work well together, so give us a call today!
