What are the symptoms of uneven brake discs?
2 Answers
Uneven brake discs can cause minor issues like vehicle shaking and noise during braking, or severe problems such as unexpected tire lock-up and loss of vehicle control, endangering driving safety. Daily maintenance of brake discs includes: 1. Protecting brake discs during car washing: Before washing your car, it is recommended to let the vehicle cool down naturally. Brake discs generate significant heat from friction during regular braking, reaching high temperatures. If washed immediately, the sudden contact with cold water can cause the steel brake discs to warp or even crack due to thermal contraction. 2. Minimizing brake disc wear: Although brake discs wear slower than brake pads, mechanics often only suggest replacing brake pads and brake fluid. However, after certain mileage, brake discs will wear out. Uneven surfaces or insufficient thickness can severely affect braking performance over time. 3. Avoiding brake noise: Performance-grade brake pads are designed for extreme high-temperature conditions, and some "hissing" noise is normal due to different materials and usage conditions. However, if such noise occurs in regular vehicles, it should be addressed promptly. Owners should regularly clean brake pads and discs to prevent debris from entering the braking system and use qualified brake pads.
As a driver with over a decade of experience, I've encountered uneven brake rotors multiple times, with very noticeable symptoms: the steering wheel shakes violently when braking, especially during downhill drives or emergency stops, making the entire car feel like it's wobbling, as if driving on uneven roads. This is often accompanied by a hissing noise, which can be quite annoying. Even worse, the braking distance increases, the pedal feels inconsistent, and there's a noticeable vibration underfoot, making it harder to control the vehicle and posing significant safety risks. I remember one rainy day during an emergency stop, the car shook so badly it nearly went out of control. Later, an inspection revealed it was caused by warped and worn rotor surfaces. Ignoring this shaking long-term can accelerate brake pad wear and increase repair costs. I recommend regularly checking the brake rotors and addressing any issues promptly by resurfacing or replacing them to avoid bigger problems down the line. Now, at the first sign of anything unusual, I immediately take the car to the shop to ensure driving safety.
