The front brakes of your vehicle are responsible for the majority of your stopping ability. The stopping ability is created via your front brake pads and rotors. As stopping is one of the most important parts of driving, these parts are some of the most important on the car. 

When you put pressure on the brake pedal, the brake pads are pressed against the brake rotor which is connected to the wheel. This in turn slows your wheel down at various speeds according to various pressures. 

Your brake pads are made out of a metal composite that is softer than the brake rotor. Over time your brake pads wear down and your braking performance decreases. Your brake rotors, although stronger than your brake pads, will eventually wear down and need replacing too.  

What are brake pads and brake rotors? 

Most modern cars use disc brakes, this is where brake pads and rotors come into the picture. 

Inside the brake caliper assembly you have brake pads. These are made out of a composite material which is designed to be softer than the brake rotor. This means that the brake pads wear out before the more expensive rotors do. As they are pressed against the rotors they create friction and this friction slows the wheels and car down. As they wear down due to the friction, they give off a dust which is called brake dust and covers you shiny wheels in grime. 

Behind your wheel you can see a shiny disc which is the brake rotor. Called a ‘rotor’ because it rotates with the wheels. It is usually made out of a steel composite material that is designed to withstand large loads and temperatures. As they go about their job and get put through these high temperatures and wear down.

Why do you need new brake pads and new brake rotors?

In order to stop your vehicle properly you need your brake pads and rotors to be working in harmony and properly. 

If they are worn on a particular side or faded at the front or rear, it can seriously affect your driving ability and safety. New pads and rotors will ensure that your car stops exactly the way you want it to, every time you need it to.

What symptoms mean you need new brake pads and new brake rotors?

• Braking distance and/or feel is worse than normal
• There is a high pitched squealing noise when braking
• There is noticeable wear marks on your brake rotors
• There is a lot of brake dust on your wheels
• In some higher end vehicles there will be a brake warning light on the dashboard

How are brake pads and brake rotors replaced?

• The wheel lug nuts are loosened and the vehicle is hoisted up
• The wheels are removed and the brake rotors are checked for wear
• The brake pads are checked for wear 
• The pads and rotors are removed from the wheel hub and caliper
• New brake pads and rotors are installed and the wheels are put back on
• The brakes are then bedded in and a full road test is done with varying levels of force and load

How much does brake pad and brake rotor replacement cost?

It’s a big job and requires a lot of time and expertise. 

Typically for a small, easy replacement prices may start around $350, however for more expensive models such as European and performance cars, prices can get above $1000

How often do I need new front brake pads and new front brake rotors? 

Typically, you’ll need to replace your brake pads around every 70,000km and brake rotors around every 100,000km’s. 

These can be more or less kilometers, depending on the way the car is driven. 

Are broken brake pads or broken brake rotors unsafe?

Yes they are, you want your braking system to be working as effectively as possible and keep you as safe as possible. 

If your braking distance is deteriorating or suddenly becomes worse then you should absolutely take your car in to a mechanic to be checked. 

You can find a mechanic near Porirua with My Auto Shop