The cars, trucks, and SUVs that we drive each day are incredibly complicated pieces of machinery. Just looking at the brakes on your vehicle, you’ll find dozens of different components that all have to come together and work flawlessly to keep you safely in control. That’s a lot of stuff to keep track of and it’s why automotive engineers and technicians spend so much time training and learning about these different parts. Fortunately, you don’t need that level of knowledge when it comes to keeping your car’s brakes in good shape, and an online search for “brake service near me” is often sufficient. Still, it’s a great idea to have some understanding of the various parts of your vehicle and what they do. We’re going to look at brake rotors to learn how they work, what different types there are, and the role they play in the maintenance and performance of your ride.

What Are Brake Rotors and How Do They Work?

Two main types of brakes are used in the auto industry: drum brakes and disc brakes. We will ignore that first type because those are only found on certain vehicles and don’t utilize rotors. Disc brakes are more effective at slowing and stopping a vehicle but can also be more expensive to make and use, so you’ll find them on the front wheels of most new vehicles. Some models have disc brakes on both the front and rear to provide exceptional stopping power, depending on the make and model you have.

The rotor is simply the technical name for the disc in a disc brake system. The two words can be used interchangeably, and both mean the same thing. Without getting too detailed, disc brakes function using a disc attached to each wheel that spins with it as you drive down the road. When you press the brake pedal, a hydraulic system amplifies the force you apply with your foot to press the brake pads against the spinning discs. This applies friction to slow and stop the spin of the disc, which also stops the spin of the wheel.

Your rotors and pads are the main parts of your brake system that do the work of slowing and stopping your vehicle. They are made from incredibly durable materials, so they can handle a tremendous amount of abuse when you’re driving. Eventually, however, they do wear out and become damaged over time and need to be replaced. It’s generally a good idea to replace the pads at the same time that you replace the rotors in order to keep the wear even and because it can save you money to do both at once.

Different Types of Brake Rotors

There are multiple types of brake rotors available. The right type for your vehicle depends on the kinds of driving conditions you typically deal with, how you like to drive your car, and other factors. In general, you can usually replace your brake rotors with the same type as your vehicle came with, though it’s not a bad idea to consider all your options.

Blank and Smooth

We’ll admit that the names for the different types of rotors aren’t the most creative, but they work well to describe them. Blank and smooth rotors are just what they sound like: smooth discs with a relatively blank surface. These are your standard brake rotors and what most passenger cars have; they work well, are affordable, and get the job done.

Drilled

As the name of these rotors implies, they have holes drilled through them. These holes allow air to move through the rotor more easily, dissipating the heat that builds up in the rotors while you’re driving. The holes are not drilled randomly but placed in distinct patterns. Drilled rotors are designed to provide superior cooling over blank rotors, but they can also fail faster due to their design, which is why they are typically restricted to performance cars. Under particularly hard use, like on a race track, cracks can form starting at the holes drilled through these rotors.

Slotted

The most efficient option for slowing and stopping, these rotors have slots carved into their surface. However, unlike drilled rotors, these slots don’t go all the way through them but are curved lines etched into their surface. This is intended to prevent gas buildup between the rotor and pad during hard braking. Like drilled rotors, slotted rotors are mainly found on high-performance vehicles.

Drilled and Slotted

These rotors feature both drilled holes and etched slots on their surface. As you’d expect, they combine the benefits of both options, providing exceptional heat reduction while avoiding gas buildup. They’re excellent for high-performance vehicles and spirited driving, but they do wear out more quickly as a trade-off for their enhanced performance.

For most people, blank and smooth brake rotors are all you need. We know plenty of people who stick with standard brakes. They’re just fine, but drilled and slotted rotors are a good choice if you want that enhanced braking. Slotted rotors are generally a little less expensive, while drilled and slotted are perfect if you have a performance vehicle and want to ensure you’re always in control.

What Kind of Maintenance Do Brake Rotors Need?

Generally, brake maintenance comes down to two things: inspections and replacements. It’s a good idea to keep an eye on your brakes whenever possible. You can typically see them through the spokes of your vehicle’s wheels. A quick visual inspection on a regular basis helps you stay on top of things. We can also perform a more thorough inspection when handling other types of routine maintenance to make sure they are still in great shape. If your brakes feel shaky or you hear a metal grinding sound when you press the brake pedal, it is likely time for new brakes. This squeaking or grinding sound is usually due to a metal strip that lets you know your pads have worn out. Once your brake rotors or pads have worn down to a certain point, they must be replaced. We’re happy to help with everything you need, and we strongly suggest not trying to repair or replace your brakes unless you have a lot of experience since mistakes can seriously compromise the safety of your vehicle.

Your Brake Rotors Affect Braking Performance

Ultimately, your brake rotors are involved in only one thing: slowing and safely stopping your vehicle. That’s all they do, but that’s directly tied to your overall driving experience and the performance you get from your vehicle. Good brake rotors will slow you down smoothly and comfortably, plus give you immediate braking power when an emergency situation causes you to slam on your brakes. The engine controls your vehicle's power output and acceleration, but your ability to go fast is only as useful as your ability to slow down and stop when you need to. Your brakes are an important part of overall performance that should never be ignored. That’s why you must have the right brake rotors on your vehicle for your specific driving conditions. We’re here to ensure your brakes are in great shape and have the proper rotors for your car.