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If you've ever left a piece of metal outside and seen brown or light orange flakes appear, then you've experienced the scientific phenomenon of rust. When water or air interacts with certain metals, especially metals containing iron or iron ore, rust can appear over time.
In some cases, rust can impact the functionality of tools or components containing metal. If you have noticed your car having rusty brake rotors, you may wonder if the effectiveness of your braking system is compromised.
JEGS strives to provide information to help you maintain the health of your vehicle. Below, we offer general guidance on what you should know about brake rotor rust and how to remove rust from rotors if and when it shows up.
As always, make sure you are looping in an experienced technician if you notice rust forming on your brakes and aren’t sure what to do.
Why Does Surface Rust Build On My Rotors?
Since most brake rotors are made of metals containing iron or iron ore, the material reacts when exposed to water. This situation causes rust to appear.
If your car is routinely stored outdoors, you've likely encountered rust on parts of your car, including brake rotors. Since the vehicle is exposed to the elements, it is easy for moisture to build up on the surface of your brake rotors. It can happen hours after you park your car since hot rotors and moisture in the air cause it to condense on the surface. A minimal amount could show up if this moisture isn't wiped away.
If the rust is light, engaging your brakes can cause the brake pads to clear away a small amount of rust that could be coating the surface of your brake rotors.
Usually, a routine driving pattern would typically be enough to clear away any light surface rust. Nevertheless, if your car is stored outside and you don't regularly drive it, it's possible that rust could build up and corrode your rotors. This situation is when rusty brake rotors could cause a more severe problem.
Is There Any Way to Prevent This?
Yes, there are steps you can take to help minimize the impact of brake rotor rust. Here are some things you can do to prevent rust from making its way onto your rotors. Remember that every situation is different and that these steps may or may not help, depending on your driving patterns and your car's current condition:
- Keep your vehicle indoors - If you have a garage, store your vehicle there. Protecting your car from the elements can significantly reduce the amount of moisture and humidity the vehicle is exposed to.
- Prevent moisture indoors - If you are parking your vehicle in your garage, you want to ensure that you are taking measures to prevent moisture and humidity from taking hold. Look for leaks, and seal any area around openings like windows and doors.
- Regularly drive your car - A straightforward thing you can do is regularly drive your vehicle. Moving your car within your neighborhood or around the corner for a short trip can help prevent rust from building up. Regularly engaging the brakes during a drive can move the brake pads to help remove light rust from rotors and keep rust from building up and corroding your rotors.
- Maintain cleanliness of your vehicle - Wash your vehicle routinely to ensure you remove debris, including dirt and rust. A simple regular car wash can do the trick in helping to prevent rust build-up. Be sure to wash the wheel area and allow it to dry if you store it inside.
- Select excellent-quality rotors - Choosing high-quality rotors for your car initially can help ensure they last longer and prevent them from corroding. Try to purchase rotors with anti-corrosion coating, as it can slow the rust build-up over time. These rotors are likely to be zinc-plated to help further protect against rust build-up.
- Watch out for the snow - If you live where it frequently snows, it's essential to watch for potential salt build-up. Regularly washing your car can lessen the impact of salt build-up due to snow, as long as the outside temperature is above freezing of course.
While these steps can help you prevent rust, it's crucial to always stay up on regular maintenance with your vehicle. Having an experienced technician inspect your car can help you address issues like rust build-up and identify severe corrosion that may go unnoticed.
Is It Bad When Surface Rust Builds Up?
It depends on the rust's severity and your rotors' condition. Some light surface rust collected overnight will typically be cleared away using brakes during your typical drive. Nevertheless, if you live in an area with high humidity and don't drive your car regularly, rust may have formed more aggressively on your rotors. This situation can cause your rotors to malfunction, compromising your brake system.
For example, as mentioned above, if you store your vehicle outside in an area where it snows, salt could likely have built up on the rotors, leading to increased rust.
It's important to remember that rotors are not meant to last for the life of your car. As a result, you need to prepare to replace them. To ensure your braking system is working optimally, it's good practice to replace your rotors when you get new brake pads.
Doing this ensures you're replacing your rotors regularly, taking care of any potential rust buildup, and properly breaking in your brakes with new pads and rotors.
If you’re unsure about your rust buildup and if it is eating away at your rotors or if it may be time to change them, reach out to an experienced technician who can offer guidance.
If you need to replace your rotors, we have a variety of product options for you to choose from. We try to offer quality and affordable pricing so you can find what you need without breaking the bank. Look at our brake rotor selection and see which fits your needs and budget.
