OEM Automotive Brake Rotors

Get the Facts About Brake Rotors

What they are: a main part of the disc brake system in your vehicle -- one of three. The other two are the brake calipers and brake pads. Put simply, the rotors are the discs themselves, attached to the vehicle's wheel hubs via ribs.

What they do: two things -- dissipate brake heat and help create friction. They do the latter by fastening to the pads, which are mounted on top of the calipers. This resistance is what helps slow and stop your vehicle.

How many and what types there are: four -- blank & smooth (i.e., smooth), slotted, drilled (i.e., cross-drilled), and drilled & slotted.

Smooth brake rotors: many cars use these. They're relatively easy on brake pads, resistant to corrosion and cracking, and best of all, pretty affordable.

Slotted brake rotors: many SUVs use these. They provide better airflow, resultantly channeling dust and debris away better.

Drilled brake rotors: a lot of trucks and sports cars use these. They're designed for the best possible heat dissipation, and they're highly reliable in wet weather. It makes them ideal for track and towing applications.

Drilled & slotted brake rotors: some performance vehicles use these, as they combine many of the best features of both slotted and cross-drilled rotors.

When to replace them: approximately every 70,000 miles. Otherwise, when they start to show symptoms of failure.

The signs they're bad: unusual noises or wobbling when braking, plus rotor surface damage.

What to do when you see such symptoms: inspect the brake rotors and change any problematic ones. Be sure to replace them in pairs, too; it'll help keep your ride braking normally. When you order new ones, be sure to get genuine.

Why buy genuine OEM brake rotors: your brand designs and builds them to fit the model you drive perfectly -- a guarantee that the aftermarket can't necessarily make.

Where to order replacement brake rotors online: from our auto parts store. To make finding what's compatible easier, not to mention make it go a little quicker, be sure to browse our catalog by make, model, and model year. Buy now, and we'll ship directly to your door.