Car brake disks play a very important role in ensuring that you have a safe drive on the road. They always come in pairs and are either two or four in number. The brake disk is also known as a brake rotor. It helps holding the brake caliper in place and prevents the wheels from rotating. The brake disk is thus considered as the heart of your car’s braking system. Therefore, car owners must always replace their brake discs as soon as they notice signs of damage or wear and tear.
Over the years, the design of car brake disks has been simplified. Some manufacturers opt to use solid cast iron for their car brake disks that make them reasonably heavy. On the other hand, there are also those who offer hollow brake rotors with fins that connect the disks to contact surfaces. Often, this feature is chosen for front car disks. The hollowness helps in dissipating the heat generated due to the braking action. Some car brake disks come with slots or drill-holes to keep warping at bay. There are also CNC machined brake disks that have more strength and durability for intense braking conditions. They can also be flat or vented.
The brake disks act as a clamping area for the brake pads when you apply force on the brake pedal. The braking action forces the brake fluid into the brake caliper that in turn presses the brake pad on to the brake disk. This action happens on all wheels of the car. Eventually, the car will come to a halt. When you notice an improperly-working brake disk in your car, it is recommended that you change both the disks so that the wheels have balanced braking power. This is because this number can differ from car to car. You can consider checking out sparepartstore24.co.uk online shop for different types of car brake disks at varying price points.
Warning signs that your car brake disks have to be changed
There are several warning signs that indicate your brake disks have to be changed. Some of these give away signs are mentioned below.
- You hear a grinding noise or a high-pitched squealing sound when you press your foot on the brake.
- The brake pedal appears to be softer than it normally is when your foot rests on the brake.
- You experience a vibration during the braking action signaling that your brake disk is warped.
- The vehicle tends to go sideward when you apply the brake.
- The car takes a longer distance than usual to slow down or stop completely when the brakes have been applied.
When you have decided to change your car brake disks, you must keep a count of the number of studs of your car’s wheel hub. Replacing a worn out brake disk on time ensures that the entire braking system is not damaged and saves you a lot of expenses in the future.