How often should brake discs be replaced?
2 Answers
Brake discs need to be replaced at around 70,000 kilometers. You can determine whether the brake discs need replacement through the following three methods: 1. Listen for sounds: If you hear a metallic scraping or squealing noise when lightly applying the brakes, and the noise persists even after replacing the brake pads, it is advisable to replace the brake discs promptly. 2. Check if the warning light is on: Normally, this indicator light remains off. When there is a fault or excessive wear in the brake discs, the light will turn on and stay on until the issue is fixed. If the warning light is on, it means the brake discs have worn to their limit, braking efficiency has decreased, and driving safety is significantly compromised. 3. Check the thickness: Most brake disc products come with wear indicators, which are three small indentations distributed on the disc. When the total wear depth on both sides of the brake disc reaches 3MM, the brake discs should be replaced immediately.
I've been driving for over a decade and believe there's no fixed schedule for brake rotor replacement—it really depends on how you use them. Generally, you should inspect them every 40,000 to 60,000 kilometers, but if you do a lot of city driving with heavy traffic or brake aggressively, they might show noticeable wear before 40,000 km. My habit is to have the mechanic measure the rotor thickness whenever I replace the brake pads: new rotors are typically around 24 mm thick, and if they wear down below 19 mm, they need replacement. Otherwise, you might experience shaking or reduced braking efficiency, which is dangerous. You can also do a simple check yourself: after driving, feel the rotor's temperature—if it's too hot or you hear screeching noises, there might be an issue. Neglecting replacement for too long can damage other components, leading to more expensive repairs later. Always prioritize your brake system during regular maintenance—don't cut corners, as safe driving comes first.
