Brake rotors are a fundamental part of a vehicle’s braking system. They’re a simple system, but made up of many different parts. The driver applies the brakes by pressing on the brake pedal, which signals the rest of the braking system, located near the tires. The brake rotor is what the brake pad clamps down on when the driver applies the brakes. The two main types of brakes are drilled and slotted.
What are the differences?
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Drilled brake rotors:
- Have holes drilled into them to release heat and gas build-up.
- Are considered better for driving in wet conditions, as they allow for better water drainage and aren’t as likely to rust.
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Slotted brake rotors:
- Have slots cut into, but not all the way through, the rotor.
- Are more durable, and less likely to break.
The rotors on a vehicle last, on average, from 30,000 to 70,000 miles. A licensed mechanic can evaluate the rotors and advise you on their status. They should not need to be changed as often as the brake pads, but should be replaced in pairs.
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