When you notice the brake pads on your vehicle wearing thin, the first thought might be to replace them right away. But what about the rotors? Is it really okay to just install new brake pads on your old rotors? Let’s go over the facts to help you make the best choice for your vehicle.
How Do Brake Pads and Rotors Work Together?
The brake system in any car has two major parts that work closely together – brake pads and rotors. The brake pads press against the rotors when you apply the brakes, which helps slow down or stop your car. As you can imagine, these parts see a lot of action and wear over time. Rotors are solid discs, and brake pads are softer components that press against the rotors to generate friction.
Can You Replace Just the Brake Pads?
Yes, you can replace just the brake pads. But the question isn’t always “can” you; it’s more about whether you should. In fact, replacing brake pads without changing the rotors can sometimes lead to issues down the road.
Many people do it when the rotors appear to be in good shape, without deep grooves or cracks. However, this can be misleading. Even if your rotors don’t look too bad, there could still be problems lurking.
Risks of Using Old Rotors With New Brake Pads
One of the main risks of pairing new brake pads with old rotors is uneven wear. Old rotors often develop surface irregularities like grooves or rust spots. If you slap new pads on them, these imperfections can affect how the pads wear. Over time, you’ll notice your brake performance deteriorating more quickly.
Replacing just the pads while leaving old rotors in place can lead to noise issues and vibration. This might even cause your brakes to wear out faster than they should.
Is It Worth Resurfacing the Rotors?
Some mechanics will suggest resurfacing your rotors rather than replacing them entirely. This process shaves a thin layer off the rotor surface to smooth it out. In some cases, this can restore enough of the rotor’s surface to allow new brake pads to work more effectively.
However, resurfacing isn’t always the perfect solution. Rotors have a minimum thickness limit. If resurfacing makes them too thin, they’ll overheat and possibly warp, which could make your braking less reliable. It’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s thickness guidelines before going down this route.
When to Replace Both the Brake Pads and Rotors
Many car manufacturers recommend changing both brake pads and rotors together. This ensures that both components are at their optimal performance level. According to a reliable industry source, combining new brake pads with old, worn-out rotors can reduce braking power by up to 20%.
If your rotors have deep grooves, cracks, or warping, replacing them is a much safer option than resurfacing or leaving them as is. When you install both new brake pads and rotors, you’ll get smoother braking, improved stopping power, and quieter operation.
Pros and Cons of Replacing Just the Brake Pads
Let’s break down some of the advantages and disadvantages of changing just the brake pads while keeping old rotors:
Pros:
- Cheaper upfront costs.
- Quick fix if you’re in a pinch.
- If rotors are still within thickness limits, it can work for a short while.
Cons:
- Increased risk of uneven wear on the brake pads.
- Potential for more frequent brake maintenance.
- Higher chance of noisy or vibrating brakes.
- Reduced stopping power, especially in emergencies.
Are New Brake Pads on Old Rotors Safe?
In terms of safety, it’s generally not ideal. Driving with new brake pads on old rotors might not give you the braking performance you need in emergency situations. Driving on worn rotors can lead to dangerous outcomes, especially in high-speed or heavy traffic scenarios. You could experience less responsive braking or even sudden brake failure under extreme conditions.
If you want the safest option for your vehicle, replacing both the brake pads and rotors is the best route.
Final Thoughts
While it may seem okay to put new brake pads on old rotors, it’s important to weigh the potential risks and costs. Sure, you might save money in the short term, but long-term wear and tear can lead to bigger expenses or even safety concerns. If your rotors are showing significant wear, it’s always a better choice to replace them along with the pads for optimal braking performance.
