Brake rotors are a vital component in the braking system of a vehicle. They need to be cleaned periodically to prevent rusting, corrosion, and brake dust accumulation.
It is important to make them cool before starting cleaning because if they are hot, they can burn you and damage your clothes. You should also wear gloves while cleaning them as they are very sharp and can cut your skin easily.
Contents
How to Clean Brake Rotors -5 Steps to Clean Brake Rotors by Yourself
Brake rotors are the most important part of the braking system that stops your car. Brake pads push against brake rotors to stop the vehicle. Therefore, it is vital to keep them clean and free of debris. Here are the 5 common steps to cleaning brake rotors:
1. Make Sure Your Brake Rotors Are Cool
It is important to make sure your brake rotors are cool before starting cleaning them. Brake rotors get hot when you use your brakes, so it’s important to cool them down before you start cleaning.
The best way to do this is with a wet rag or sponge and cold water so the brake rotor doesn’t heat up again while you’re cleaning it.
If the brake rotor has been sitting out in the sun, even a wet cloth won’t be enough to cool it down-you’ll need an ice pack or a bag of ice cubes wrapped in a wet towel or rag instead.
2. Using a Brush
Remove any debris from your brake rotors by brushing them off with a stiff wire brush. This will help to remove dirt, grime, and other material that can cause uneven braking or wear on your brakes over time.
3. Using Brake Cleaner Spray
Brake cleaner is a product that is used to remove the oily, greasy, and grimy substances from the brake rotors. This can be done by spraying it on the brake rotors and then wiping it off with a cloth.
Brake cleaner spray can be used in conjunction with other products such as brake pads or brake shoes in order to increase its effectiveness.
1) Spray some of the brake cleaners onto your cloth
2) Rub it on the braking surface of your rotor
3) Wipe away any excess dirt and grime
4) Rinse off the spray liquid, and
5) Wipe off any excess brake cleaner from the metal surface with a clean rag or paper towel and then let it dry for around fifteen minutes before driving again.
4. Using Scrubbing Pad
The next step is to use a scrubbing pad to remove any grease, oil, or other substances that may be on the rotor surface. Clean the brake rotors by scrubbing them with a scrubbing pad.
5. Using Soapy Water or White Vinegar
These are the two tried and true methods that most people use using soapy water and white vinegar to clean brake rotors.
The first is using soapy water or a degreaser to clean the dirty brake rotors.
The second is using white vinegar to clean the brake rotors.
The first method of cleaning your brake rotors involves using soapy water or a degreaser, which will work well on dirt and grease that have been left behind on the surface of the rotor.
The second method of cleaning your brake rotors involves using white vinegar, which will help remove rust and other corrosion from the metal surface of the rotor.
Reasons Why Brake Rotors Get Dirty?
Brake rotors are an essential part of a vehicle. They stop the vehicle when it is not moving.
Brake rotors also slow down the car while it is moving. When a car brake is applied, it slows down and stops because of friction between the brake pads and the brake rotors which are found on either side of the wheel hub.
There are a few reasons why brake rotors get rusty such as:
1. Driving Through Puddles with Wet Brake Pads
Brake rotors can become rusty due to exposure to water in rainy climates or from driving through puddles with wet brake pads – this can cause them to rust over time, and eventually need replacing too
2. Brake Dust
Brake dust is often the culprit, which is a byproduct of the braking process. The brake rotor will accumulate dust over time and this can cause rusting.
3. Water Seeping in Through Cracks
Another cause for rusty brake rotors is water seeping in through cracks and crevices in the wheel assembly or even from a leaky caliper seal.
4. Dirt Buildup on the Surface of Brake Rotors
Rusting also occurs when there’s a buildup of dirt on the surface of the rotor, which can also be caused by dirt from under the car or road debris that has been kicked up by other vehicles.
5. Long Time Use
The brake rotors can also become dirty or corroded over time, which will cause them to wear out faster than normal.
Brakes rotors work by pressing against a spinning wheel to create friction, which causes heat and eventually makes them stop spinning.
As brakes wear out, they need to be replaced before they fail and cause accidents or other problems for drivers. This is why it is important to clean your brake rotors regularly.
When to Clean the Brake Rotors – 5 Common Signs
If you are driving a vehicle, you should clean your brake rotors at least once a month. It is also important to know when to clean the brake rotors.
Brake rotors can get contaminated with dirt and other substances if they are not cleaned on time.
The following are some of the most common signs that indicate that it is time for your brake rotors to be cleaned:
1. The brakes start making screeching noises
2. There is an unusual amount of dust on your wheels
3. The vehicle seems to take longer than usual to stop
4. Vibration produced when you Brake
5. You notice that there is an unpleasant smell coming from the brakes
Importance of Cleaning Brake Rotors
People who don’t realize the importance of cleaning their brake rotors. If you don’t clean your brake rotors, it can create a difficult situation while driving. Brake rotors are an essential part of your car’s braking system and if they are not properly maintained, they can cause serious damage to your car.
If you have ever seen brake dust on your wheels or heard any grinding noises from the brakes, you should immediately take it to a mechanic for inspection. If you neglect this issue, it could lead to expensive repairs and even replacement parts for your car.
The most important thing about brake rotors is that they need to be cleaned regularly. The average person should do this about once a month or every 20-25 thousand miles, whichever comes first.
Cleaning brake rotors is important for maintaining the quality of your brakes. Brake pads are designed to grip the rotor, but if they accumulate too much dirt and oil, they will not be able to stop the vehicle in an emergency.
Brake pads are also a safety feature that gives drivers more time to stop and avoid accidents.
The brake rotor is located on the outside of each wheel hub. It is often overlooked when cleaning your car, but it can be a safety hazard if not cleaned regularly.
Brake pads need to grip onto something in order to slow down your vehicle and without clean brake rotors, they cannot do their job effectively.
FAQS
Can You Use WD40 to Clean Brake Rotors?
WD-40 is safe to clean the brake rotors because it is a lubricant and will not leave behind a residue.
Can I Spray Brake Cleaner on My Rotors?
Yes, as brake cleaners are designed to remove grease and oil from metal components, it is safe on brake rotors.
Can I Use Degreaser Instead of Brake Cleaner?
No, a degreaser is not a suitable substitute for brake cleaner.
How Often Should I Clean My Brake Rotors?
We recommend that you clean your brake rotors every month but if not possible, at least in a year or two.
Final Words
The brake rotors are the discs that are attached to the wheels of your car and they stop the rotation of the wheels when you use your brakes. Brake rotors can become dirty due to brake dust, which is a byproduct of braking.
Brake rotors are the parts that press the brake pads against the brake discs in order to slow down or stop your car.
For this reason, they need to be cleaned regularly. The process is simple as we have discussed above and can take less than 5 minutes.
