What to Do About Brake Disc Rust and Starting Noise?

[Brielle]

There are two scenarios regarding brake disc rust: 1. Slight surface rust: This can typically be removed by applying continuous braking while driving, and no special treatment is necessary. Minor rust on the brake disc will naturally wear off during normal braking. However, if the rust is more severe, it may cause vibrations or shaking during braking, such as brake pad vibrations, steering wheel tremors, or body vibrations—provided it is safe and does not affect public traffic. While driving, lightly apply the brakes to allow the friction between the brake pads and the disc to "polish" the surface. 2. Severe brake disc rust: When rust is extensive, it can create an uneven brake disc surface, leading to noticeable shaking in the brake pedal, steering wheel, and vehicle body during braking. In such cases, removing the rust becomes difficult, and even if forcibly "polished," it may result in abnormal brake pad wear and persistent vibrations. Therefore, it is recommended to perform brake disc maintenance every two months to prevent excessive rust buildup.