4 Symptoms of a Faulty or Weak Brake Discs
To slow the car down, metal disc brakes work in tandem with brake pads and calipers. Brake discs spin at the same pace as the wheels because they are attached directly to the wheel hub.
When
the brake pedal is pressed, the calipers force the brake pads against the
spinning discs, slowing and halting the wheels and the car. Because discs slow
the vehicle by generating friction from direct contact with the brake pads,
they will eventually wear out and need to be replaced.
Check
your car's MOT
status and get the brake discs replaced as soon as possible to prevent
failing your next MOT test.
When
discs fail, they generally generate one or more of the following four symptoms,
which tell the driver that they need to be replaced:
1. Noisy Brakes - One of the
most prevalent indications of damaged brake discs is noise. Squealing or
squeaking noises can be heard if the discs are deformed (not completely flat)
or significantly worn. A squeak is usually produced by warped discs, whereas a
scraping sound is produced by highly worn discs. However, the screeching noise
might also be caused by worn brake pads. If you go online and type 'check my MOT history'
for your vehicle, you'll be able to see if the brake discs have been a cause of
MOT failure in the past.
2. Brake Vibrations -
Excessive brake vibration or pulsing is another symptom of worn brake discs.
Vibrations in the pedal and, in certain situations, the steering wheel or
chassis can be caused by warped or badly worn discs shaking uncontrollably.
Additionally, when the brake pedal is pushed, it may appear to be pulsating due
to warped brake discs. Because the pedal no longer contacts the brake discs
surface, this occurs. To avoid failing a MOT test and for safety reasons, check MOT status of
your vehicle and get a brake disc replacement completed by a mechanic.
3. Visual Scoring or Grooves
on The Disc - This is another sign of faulty or weak discs. These
markings appear because of repeated contact with the brake pads. The thickness
of discs is meant to decrease over time. If it deteriorates to a certain
extent, though, it compromises the vehicle's overall safety. If you check MOT history
of your car, scored or grooved brake discs are a common reason for failure.
4. Stopping Distance
Increased - A disc's scoring and grooves can reduce its ability to slow
the car, as well as generate vibration and pulsation in the pedal. Furthermore,
when the brake pedal no longer engages with the brake disc, the resulting
vibration may give the impression that the vehicle will not stop at all. When a
vehicle is compelled to make an emergency stop, the inability to stop or even
longer stopping distances can be extremely dangerous.
The
disc brakes are an integral element of the braking system and, as such, are
crucial to the vehicle's overall safety and handling qualities. Whether you
believe your brake discs are worn or broken, have your car evaluated by a
competent mechanic to see if you need to replace them.
When It Comes to Brake Discs, How Long Do They Last?
Bringing
your vehicle to a complete stop is an important element of remaining safe
behind the wheel. Most vehicle owners are unaware of how many components must
work together in order for the braking system to function properly. The rotors
are the metal discs that are installed behind the car's wheels. When
the brake pedal is depressed, the calipers press down on the pads, which
subsequently use the discs to provide the necessary resistance to stop the car.
The vehicle's discs are only activated when the brake pedal is depressed.
The
brake discs will need to be changed over time because of the amount of usage
they receive. A car's brake discs should last between 50,000 and 70,000 miles
on average. Brake pads may generate a lot of heat due to continual contact. It
is possible for the discs to distort if they are extremely heated and then put
in a puddle of water. A warped disc may only be repaired by replacing it.