The friction created by brake pads causes heat, which can lead to what is known as “pitting.” This is when small holes or pits form on the surface of the brake rotors due to overheating.
Pitting can be caused by many factors, including driving on long stretches without cooling down your brakes, driving in extreme conditions like rain or snow, or driving with worn-out brake pads.
The most common cause of pitting on brake rotors is corrosion or contamination of some kind, which can be prevented by washing your vehicle regularly and using high-quality brake fluid.
A lack of lubrication or overheating can also cause this issue, which can also be prevented with regular maintenance and quality brake fluid.
Contents
What Causes Pitting on Brake Rotors
Pitting on brake rotors is a common problem for all vehicles, and it usually occurs when the vehicle has been driven through water or in inclement weather.
This happens because the water and the road salt are corrosive to the metal of the rotor.
The problems with pitting on brake rotors can be attributed to a number of factors. For example, if your brakes are not properly maintained, then you will have more problems with pitting on brake rotors.
If you do not change your brake pads when they are worn down, then this will also affect the braking system and cause pitting on brake rotors.
Here are the common causes that are responsible for pitting on brake rotors:
Humidity
Humidity is a major cause of brake rotor pitting, which is a condition where the surface of the rotor becomes pitted, or corroded. The process starts when moisture penetrates into the metal and causes rust to form.
As this happens, the metal expands and contracts due to changes in temperature.
This movement can tear away at any pits that have formed on the surface of the rotor.
The more moisture that gets trapped in the brake pad, the more likely it is for brake rotors to develop pitting.
Pitting will also be more severe if there is little airflow around your brakes because it will become difficult for them to cool down after being heated up by friction with your wheels.
When brakes are exposed to humidity, it can cause pitting on your brake rotors and make them less effective at stopping your vehicle.
Salt From Road
Road salt is a huge problem for many areas. It can cause pitting on brake rotors, and even lead to the need for new brake pads or rotors.
The main causes of road salt are the winter storms and snowplows. The snowplows push the road salt to the side of the roads, which can then be picked up by vehicles that drive over it.
The effects of this are felt by drivers who have to deal with corroded brake rotors, as well as people in other areas who have to deal with corrosion from runoff from roads that have been salted.
The salt in saltwater will corrode metal parts like your brake rotor which can lead to pitting on your rotor.
Rotor Material
Pitting on brake rotors is one of the most common wears and tear problems on vehicles. Brake rotor material determines how quickly a vehicle’s brake rotors will wear out.
The three main types of brake rotor materials are steel, stainless steel, and ceramic.
Steel is the most common material used to produce brake rotors because it is cheaper than the other two materials.
The problem with steel brake rotors is that they tend to rust and develop pitting over time which can cause significant damage to a vehicle’s brakes.
Stainless steel does not rust but it does not offer as much stopping power as ceramic or carbon-ceramic brakes do which make them less desirable for high-performance vehicles. Ceramic brakes are made of silicon carbide which provides excellent stopping power with little or no wear and tear
Improper Maintenance
Improper maintenance is another common cause of pitting on brake rotors.
The brake rotors are the most important part of the brake system. It is made of a metal disc with a series of slots cut into it.
When the brakes are applied, the pads rub against these slots and slow down or stop the vehicle. Brake pads wear out over time and need to be replaced periodically.
Pitting on brake rotors occurs when a vehicle is not properly maintained and has been driven for long distances without being serviced.
If this continues, it can lead to warped brake rotors which will cause uneven braking performance and in turn, lead to an accident.
How Do I Keep My Brake Rotors from Corroding?
A common issue with brake rotors is corrosion from moisture and salt that gets trapped in the pads. This can lead to uneven braking, which is very dangerous when driving at high speeds.
– The first step in preventing pitting on brake rotors is to keep your brakes clean, dry, and well-lubricated at all times.
– The second step is to get new brake pads when the old ones wear out.
– The third and the last step is to have a mechanic inspect your brakes periodically for any signs of wear or damage.
Is It Cheaper to Resurface or Replace Rotors?
Resurfacing a rotor is the process of restoring the surface of a rotor. It can be done by applying new material on the surface of the blade, which will increase its life but not as much as replacing it.
The decision to resurface or replace rotors is not an easy one to make. There are many factors that come into play when making this decision.
The decision to resurface or replace rotors is not an easy one to make. There are many factors that come into play when making this decision.
One of the most important factors is the cost of resurfacing and replacement, which can vary greatly depending on what type of rotor you have, how much wear and tear it has, and where you live in the world.
Another factor that should be taken into consideration is whether or not your car has been in an accident before because a collision can cause more damage than just a simple wear-and-tear situation.
So, replacing rotors is more expensive and time-consuming than resurfacing them.
If you want to maintain your car for long periods and save money at the same time, resurface your rotors instead of replacing them.
FAQs
Do Pitted Rotors Need to Be Replaced?
It all depends on the severity of the damage and whether or not the rotor is still functional.
If you see any telltale signs of pitting, such as rust or roughness, then it’s time to get your rotors replaced.
Can You Resurface Pitted Rotors?
Yes, you can resurface pitted rotors by following a proper resurfacing method. Resurfacing a rotor can cost around $15 to $45.
Conclusion
Pitting on brake rotors is an issue that can cause a lot of problems with your braking system.
Pitting on brake rotors is caused by the oxidation of the metal in the rotor and will make it more difficult for you to stop.
Brake pads need to be replaced more often and it’s harder for them to grip the rotor so you’ll find yourself using your brakes more often.
It’s important that you take care of this problem as soon as possible in order to avoid any further damage or safety hazards.