The rotors and pads of your vehicle’s brakes are both subjected to considerable force. It’s the motion of the rotor that keeps everything in line with the wheel, and it’s the rotor that the pads grip when you hit the brakes. This means, then, that brake rotors need to be of quite sturdy construction to continue performing at their best.
Ceramic and carbon components are typically used for this purpose in higher-end vehicles, but the longevity of these materials naturally means that such rotors cost considerably more. Indeed, Auto Trader reports that the pads and rotors alone can cost around $11,000 for ceramic rotors. Iron rotors, meanwhile, are a much more widely used middle ground, providing a brake system that’s more affordable, and still hardy, but which will typically require more frequent replacement.
Just how frequently you’ll need to do so will depend on a variety of factors. The more you drive, the more wear and tear your brakes will experience, and so the sooner you’ll want to replace your rotors. Your owner’s manual and your own mechanic will know your specific vehicle and model best, and so will be able to provide tailored advice. It’s helpful, though, to have an estimated figure of just how many miles you should cover between rotor changes. Next, we’ll lay all of that out for you.
