Do Rusty Brake Rotors Need to be Replaced?

October 24, 2023

Youve been keeping up with proper brake maintenance and have visually inspected your rotors for signs of wear. While the grooves look fine, you've noticed a glaring problem: Your rotor is rusty. What do rusty brake rotors mean? Do they need to be replaced? Here's what you need to know.

What Are Brake Rotors?

Your brake system contains many parts. The brake rotors are metal discs that connect to the wheels of your car. There's one rotor for each wheel. The rotors rely on friction to slow the turning of your car's wheels.

The work of brake rotors happens when the calipers push the brake pads together. Then, the pads rub against the rotors to produce friction. This friction reduces the rotation of the wheels and the car's speed.

What Causes Rust on Brake Rotors?

Is rust on brake rotors normal? Yes, it's normal to see rust on brake rotors. However, rusty rotors could be nothing to worry about or could be a major cause of concern.

Moisture and road salt are the main culprits behind rusty rotors. If the rust has recently appeared, then the thin layer of rust that's accumulated should come off after a short test drive. But if your car has been sitting around for a while, a serious buildup of rust can damage the rotors.

The brake rotors are particularly susceptible to rust if your car is parked outside and hasn't been driven for some time. Driving your car at least once a week can help prevent rust buildup on the brake rotors.

How to Get Rid of Rust on Brake Rotors

When your brake rotors have rust on them, getting rid of it could be as simple as driving your car on a regular basis so that the brake pads remove the rust. Or it could be more involved, requiring replacement of the rotors.

No matter how much rust the rotors have, they'll eventually need to be replaced. That typically should happen every 30,000 to 70,000 miles. How soon they need to be replaced depends in part on how much rust the rotors have on them.

If the rust is only on the surface of the rotors, driving your car could take care of the issue. But if the rust has crept deep into the rotors, they'll likely need to be replaced. In some cases, you might be able to get the rotors resurfaced rather than replacing them.

Going too long without replacing rusty rotors can cause them to corrode and weaken. They also can lead to noisy braking and increased wear of the brake pads.

How to Tell When the Rotors Should Be Replaced

When you're getting the brake pads replaced, the rotors should be inspected to see whether there's enough metal left to enable proper braking. If the rotors have become so thin that they're unsafe or they can no longer be resurfaced, then it's time for new rotors.

Your brakes are an important part of your Nissan, and you don't want to entrust them to just anyone. When shopping for new rotors, turn to a brand you can count on -- Nissan Parts & Accessories. Order your replacement brake rotors online and visit a nearby service center for help with installation.