You must’ve seen rust on your brake rotors many times. Or maybe on the cars parked on the roadside. We are sure you must be wondering that it is very dangerous. Considering the fact that brakes are the most crucial components of an automobile, it is bound to concern you as the driver/owner of the car. Rust, as we all know, is a reddish-brown layer formed on iron surfaces, on exposure to moisture. In India, a vast majority of people are forced to park their cars outside where they are exposed to environmental elements. After it rains, one can see a thin layer of rust gripping the exposed brake rotors. This is because the brake rotors of almost all the cars are made of cast iron, except for rare supercars in which case these may be of ceramics. But should you be worried about the rust deposit on your car? Here is the answer.
Also read: Disc Brakes vs Drum Brakes- Characteristics And Comparison
Rust on Brake Rotors
It is not uncommon to witness a layer of rust on the brake rotors after the rain. Also, if you have not driven your car in a very long time, the moisture in the air could cause the iron to catch a bit of rust. It is important to accept it and understand that it is not dangerous as long as the layer is thin. This could easily be wiped clean with a thorough wash. But if the car doesn’t move for a longer duration, this might start to get deep. If that is the case, then it might start eating away the melt surface which is a problem. The braking efficiency will get severely affected by it. This could potentially be harmful to your safety.
Also read: Do You Know The Dos & Don’ts of Handbrake in a Car?
You must ensure that if you don’t require your car for long periods of time, it must be parked where there is no exposure to the moisture. If not, then ensure that you take the car for a drive even if it is for 10 mins. When you apply brakes, the friction and contact between brake discs and rotor surface remove the thin layer of rust. If the rust keeps getting washed away then you don’t have to worry at all. However, if the layer becomes too thick, then it is time for either a professional service or in the worst case, replacing the brake rotors. We hope that this post has answered the question of whether rust on the brake rotors should concern you or not.
Also read: How Do ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, ESP, Traction Control And Hill-Hold Assist Work?
