What does it mean if you have warped rotors?

Is your brake pedal or steering wheel or both wobbling when you apply brakes, especially on the highway? This is a clear sign that your car has warped rotors and needs an immediate replacement. Wondering how to spot warped rotors? Learn more here.

A rotor is a round disc in the middle section of the tire that is connected to the brake pads. When you press the brake pedal these brake pads press against the rotor and produce friction to stop the car instantly. The rotors must be smooth for smooth braking. As you know nothing lasts forever then how could a rotor? Therefore, some factors that we will discuss below cause the wrapage of rotors and result in the compromised braking accuracy and efficiency of a vehicle.

In this blog, you will learn about the warped rotors in a car, how to identify them, what causes warped rotors, and how you can avoid their warping.

What is a Warped Rotor?
Are you confused about what a warped rotor looks like? Even what does it mean to have warped rotors? Well, this thing is so simple to understand. A normal rotor is a smooth metallic disc that connects with brake pads from both sides. 

When you apply the brakes, these brake pads press against the rotor and slow it down by producing a lot of heat. This time and again braking produces heat and thus the surface of the rotor becomes uneven and this is a warp rotor.

You might not be able to detect the warped rotors, but you’ll probably be able to feel it. Most of the time, warped rotors are caused by excessive heating due to frequent braking.

What Causes a Warped Rotor?

Many factors cause rotor warping, but most of the time, warped rotors are caused by excessive heating due to frequent braking. 

  • Defective Braking System: If your braking system is not working properly, it can cause rotor warping. For example, if your front brake gets too hard and doesn’t press properly, it causes excessive heat that results in rotor wrapage. Another reason could be a sticky clipper or inefficient brake pads.
    Note: If your shocks are not performing well, they can also be the root cause of rotor warpage as excessive weight shifts to the front design braking can produce excessive heat.
    Is your braking system faulty? Learn more about defective systems here.
  • Driving Habits: The rotor warpage highly depends on your driving habits. If you are living in a city and you apply brakes frequently, it can warm up your rotor and cause it to warp.
  • Over-Torquing: If you installed a new wheel or changed it and someone hasn’t torqued your wheel up properly, that can put stress on your rotor. All these problems can lead to excessive heating that’s warping your rotor. Did you install your wheels properly? Learn more about over-torquing here.
  • Rotor Thickness: Rotors are made of cast metal, and the heat generated during braking can cause the casting to lose its strength. This is when your rotors may warp, particularly if they have become thin due to wear. A thicker rotor will last longer than a thin one.

Are Steel Rotors Better Than Cast Iron?
Both the steel rotors and cast iron rotors have their own pros and cons. They are designed to meet different vehicle’s requirements.
Cast iron is known for its excellent heat management and cost-effectiveness, cast iron is the traditional choice for most vehicles. It provides reliable braking performance under typical driving conditions.
Whereas, carbon steel rotors may offer advantages in terms of strength and weight reduction. They can perform well in high-stress situations but may not dissipate heat as effectively as cast iron.
No matter if you need a steel rotor or a cast iron rotor, you can get both to doorsteps in just one click.  GeoBrakes is your one-stop shop for all your brake parts needs where you will find top brands of brake Rotors for sale in Canada at the most reasonable prices. Explore their widest collection now!

Is Steel Rotor More Expensive than Cast Iron Rotor?
Cast iron rotors are often cheaper than cast steel because of the lower material costs, energy, and labor required to produce a final product. Secondly, raw steel is costlier to purchase, and it requires more time and attention to cast. Are you worried about brake rotor prices in Canada? Luckily you need to, because you can buy quality rotors at the most affordable price in Canada at GeoBrakes. 

What Material is Best for Rotors?

The best material for your rotors depends on your specific needs and driving habits.

  • For everyday driving: Cast iron remains the standard due to its balance of cost and performance.
  • For performance applications: For luxury and heavy vehicles high-carbon or heat-treated stainless steel is a good option. Because it provides improved performance while managing heat effectively.

What Can You Do If You Have Warped Rotors?
If your car rotor is warped, you have to either replace it or machine it. One thing you must know is that if they’re thick enough, they can be resurfaced using a machining process to smooth out the surface. However, since the rotor is made of stressed metal, there's a risk it could warp again over time. Looking for quality rotors at affordable prices? Check out our widest collection of rotors at GeoBrakres Canada. All of our brake parts are warranty-approved and provide lasting performance.