car brakes problem

Warped Brake Discs-Why do your Brake Discs Go Out of Shape?

Warped Brake Discs

warped brake discs; warping  is a common problem

Most people know what a brake disc is. Of course, they learn this through experience gained throughout their motoring life. The brake discs are known in America as “Brake Rotors”, I say this

because of my American readers. Just in case they dont know what I am referring to.

The discs are the large metal discs that you see on most cars. Hence, when the wheels are removed. For this reason, there job is to stop the car when the brakes are applied. Thus, they are grabbed by the Car Brake Pads. At great pressure to stop the car. This action causes friction and wear on the discs. Consequently, with constant use and heat build up.

replacing warped brake discs

Over time the Disc Brakes will slowly wear down. Most manufactures of these discs recommend a minimum thickness of wear. When your brakes are examined by a competent Autocentre. Then the discs will be measured and if they are below the thickness limits. Therefore, customer will then be advised?Hopefully the warped brake discs will be changed.

Discs come in all types of designs. Although the discs that fit the regular family saloon car. Hence, are usually of the conventional solid steel discs type. Although, many cars are now coming out on vented discs. This was an improvement to help dissipate the high amount of heat that the discs generate in heavy usage. In my opinion these vented discs wear more quickly than the solid discs, but do not warp as much.

Warped Brake Discs

The warped brake discs will go out of shape for many reasons , but the main reason through what I call “normal wear and tear” , this is caused by the exposed discs coming into contact with water, during in heavy rain, the discs constantly heat up and cool down when in contact with the water. This year has been particularly bad for warped brake discs replacements due to our record wet year here in the UK. The discs produce a high spot which over time causes them to develop a “high spot” and eventually the discs will warp.

This warped brake discs can be felt through the brake pedal when you are pressing the brakes and will get worse, making the driving feel uncomfortable. If this is not seen to it is possible that the discs can break up into pieces, often causing distress to the driver.

Some sportier car models have to have perforated discs fitted as an added bonus in keeping the discs cool when heavy braking and have to be re-fitted with the same type of discs, discs are very important and can not be messed about with, except for upgrades.

Warped Brake Discs How do I look after my brake discs ?

The answer really is to have your car regularly maintained. Most good Autocentres will offer their customers a free brake check. Also you should have your car serviced at least once a year, this will include your brake check and any problems will be noted and presented to you as a recommendation. It is then up to you to have the problems fixed before you run into more problems. I have noticed recently that the customers with brake problems are the ones that did not find time to have their car serviced, and the cost doubles because of the extra problems that a set of worn out pads would have cost if discovered on a service.

Sports discs ready to be fitted

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