Brake Repair: Buying and Installing Used Rotors

Rotors can be a very expensive brake repair job. One way some car owners will try to save a little money on these repairs is by buying used rotors. While used rotors can do the job for a fraction of the price of new ones, there are a few things you should know before you invest in them. Remember, your number one goal should be to have your car be safe, and working brakes are a key component to vehicle safety.

Learn How to Identify Good and Bad Rotors

In a perfect world, retailers would not sell used or aftermarket parts that had not been thoroughly inspected, but we do not live in a perfect world. If you decide to go with used rotors for your brakes, make sure you know how to inspect them. You need to be confident that the rotors are good, not worn or defective.

Of course, even if you are highly skilled at spotting bad parts, you could still end up with a bad one that looks good on the outside. Always use your car with caution for the first day or so after installing aftermarket rotors, even if they appear to be perfectly fine.

Used Rotors Do Not Last as Long

If you decide to save money on brake repair by installing used rotors, you need to be prepared to replace them sooner than you would with new ones. Even if they are being sold as "like new," they still have mileage on them. This means that you are going to have to replace them sooner than if you have installed new ones.

This is not necessarily a bad thing, you just need to know how to spot rotors that are starting to go out. You also need to find a mechanic who you rust who can inspect the rotor and determine how much life it has in it. If you feel the discount outweighs the shortened lifespan, then feel free to go with the used rotors.

Finding the Right Rotors

If you have determined that used rotors are the answer to your brake repair needs, then make sure you know which ones you need for your vehicle. Rotors are not all created equal. Consider consulting with a mechanic to ensure that you purchase the right ones. Having the wrong ones could impact how well your brakes work.

Installation

Installing brake rotors is a brake repair task that the average do-it-yourself mechanic can handle. However, you do need to do enough research to ensure that it is done right, or consider hiring a mechanic to avoid potential complications. Remember, your brakes are simply not something to mess around with unless you are sure you know what you are doing. But if you have an average measure of skill with car repairs, you should be able to tackle this one in your driveway. If not, find a mechanic who is willing to install your used rotors, and be on your way again with a car that is safe and sound.