Is It Normal for Brake Discs to Rust Inside?
2 Answers
It is normal for brake discs to rust inside. Most car brake discs are made of cast iron and are exposed to the elements for long periods, enduring rain, snow, and harsh environments, which inevitably leads to surface rust. Rust can affect the braking performance of the car and should be addressed promptly. Methods to deal with rusted brake discs include: 1. Grinding it off through normal braking; 2. Removing the brake pads to grind them down or replacing the brake discs entirely. A brake disc is a round disc that rotates as the car moves. The brake calipers clamp onto the brake disc to generate braking force—when you press the brake pedal, they grip the disc to slow down or stop the car.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I often notice rust on brake discs, which is actually quite a normal phenomenon. Brake discs are made of metal and exposed to the air. When it rains or the car is parked outside for a few days, high humidity can easily cause rust spots to form on the surface, especially near the central axle. However, don't worry—most of the time, it doesn't affect braking performance because the friction from braking will grind off the rust, and the rust marks will disappear once the car starts moving. I should mention that if the rust is severe, such as forming clumps or covering a large area, it might be necessary to check for brake pad wear or disc surface damage. In such cases, don't attempt to fix it yourself; it's safer to visit a repair shop. I have a personal experience: after a week-long beach vacation without driving, my brake discs were covered in rust when I returned, but after driving a few rounds, everything was fine, saving me a repair bill. Regular car washing and keeping the garage dry can also help prevent rust from worsening.
