How to Know When It’s Time to Replace Rotors and Brake Pads Together

Blog by Julio, Auto Repair Technician at Madis Mechanics in Gaithersburg, MD

One of the most common questions I get from customers is whether rotors need to be replaced every time they change their brake pads. My general recommendation is to replace the rotors every other time you replace the pads.

Here’s why: over time, rotors wear down and can become uneven or glazed. Even if they still look smooth, worn rotors can cause vibration, uneven braking, and reduce the life of your new brake pads. Replacing them regularly helps ensure optimal performance and safety.

That said, I understand that car maintenance can get expensive. If you absolutely need to save money, you can swap out only the brake pads and see if the squeaking or grinding goes away. It’s not ideal for the long term, but it can work as a temporary fix — as long as the rotors aren’t badly worn or scored.

When doing a brake pad swap only, make sure to clean and regrease the caliper slide pins and torque the bolts properly. This step is crucial. Neglecting it can lead to uneven pad wear, noise, and reduced braking performance — exactly the kind of problems we’re trying to avoid.

Bottom line:

• Replace rotors every other brake pad change for best results.
• If you’re tight on budget, pads-only can work short term.
• Always clean, grease, and torque properly when doing the job.

Your brakes are one of the most important safety systems on your car — a little extra care goes a long way toward keeping you (and your passengers) safe on the road.