It is not safe to drive with brake rotors that are warped or fitted incorrectly. Warped rotors can cause you to take longer to brake, and if your brakes are not working effectively the safety of you and other road users is at risk.
Machining a brake rotor is when a lathe is used to remove the top layer from the brake rotor until it creates a smooth surface. New brake pads and a smooth brake rotor surface, once bedded in, are like brand new brakes and they work efficiently together. It is recommended to replace the brake pads at the same time the brake rotors are machined.
How long brake pads last depend on a few things.
- Whether they are installed correctly
- The type and quality of brake pads installed on your car
- Your braking/driving behaviour
- Whether your brake rotors are in good condition
Regenerative braking uses the electric motor in electric or hyrbid vehicles as a generator to convert the otherwise wasted kinetic energy created from braking back into stored power in the car’s battery. When the car accelerates after braking, it first uses the energy harvested from regenerative braking before dipping into its own energy reserves.
When brake rotors or brake pads are replaced, they do need to be replaced as a pair. That means both rotors and/or pads on the left and right side of either the front or rear of the vehicle will need to be replaced at the same time. This is to ensure even and balanced stopping performance.
Getting your rotors machined when you get new brake pads will depend on their condition at the time. However, that isn’t the end of it. Some mechanics will not have a bar of machining rotors and recommend they should be replaced completely. This will come down to the professional opinion of the mechanic you visit.
Driving habits such as constant heavy braking or left foot braking can cause the pads to wear out quicker than 'normal'. Additionally, mechanical culprits such as corroded side pins, faulty or worn rotors or torn piston seals can also contribute to quickly wearing out your brake pads. Cheaps, low quality pads will also not last as long as more expensive options.
