Brakes, Rotors & Pads
Brake rotors are the circular discs that are connected to each wheel (two in the front and two in the back). Rotors are designed to turn motion (kinetic energy) into thermal energy (heat). When you press down on the brake pedal, it sends a signal via the master brake cylinder to your calipers to squeeze your brake pads together against the rotors’ large surface area. This friction created by the pads pressing up against the rotors resists the spin of the wheel, which slows its rotation and halts the movement of the car.
When it comes time to replace your rotors, keep in mind that not all rotors are made the same. In fact, there are four different types to choose from, so before replacing your vehicle's rotors, make sure you're choosing the right one for your needs. The four different rotor types are: