Our Picks For The 8 Best Replacement Brake Rotors (2023)
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Compared to the drum brakes found in cars throughout the 20th century, today’s vehicles with disc brakes have far superior stopping power and safety. These high-performing components are now featured as standard equipment on more and more cars. It’s not uncommon to find disc brakes on new automobiles costing under $20,000, and this technology is par for the course for premium and ultra-luxury vehicles. But, the rotors used in disc brakes wear out over time. And when this happens, you’ll want to find the best brake rotors to buy.
With this in mind, let’s first explore some brake rotor basics and then dive into our picks for the best brake rotors.
How Do Brake Rotors Work?
On cars with disc brakes, stepping on the brake pedal activates the brake calipers on each wheel, which engages the brake pads. The pad is applied against the surface of the rotor, which produces friction and helps slow down and stop the vehicle. This friction leads to a rotor wearing down and becoming less functional.
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When Do Brake Rotors Need Replacement?
There’s no precise formula or timeline for replacing brake rotors. The more the brakes are used, the sooner a rotor requires replacement. That means cars driven in the city will need new rotors before a vehicle primarily used on the highways. Also, higher-quality rotors last longer.
Look for any of these symptoms as a warning that new brake rotors may be required:
- Feeling vibrations or a pulsating sensation while braking
- Hearing a clunking or chattering sound when the brake pads come into contact with the rotors
- Noticing reduced braking responsiveness (it takes longer for the car to stop)
- Seeing damage (cracks, scrapes, or warping) on a brake rotor surface
The Best Brake Rotors To Check Out
Here’s our favorite brake rotor replacements to consider. Always double-check that a particular brake rotor model is compatible with your vehicle. This step is essential when shopping online, as mixing up makes, models, and model years is easy. If in doubt, contact the brake rotor manufacturer to confirm the details.
ACDelco Gold Disc Brake Rotor
Pro: Good durability under heavy use
Con: Pricier than other options.
The ACDelco name has been synonymous with quality auto parts since becoming part of General Motors almost 100 years ago. So, car owners wanting the best brake rotor will frequently turn to the ACDelco Gold model. It’s built to factory specifications and designed to hold up under the heat generated by extreme braking situations. High-quality manufacturing ensures smooth operation and confident performance.
ACDelco Silver Disc Brake Rotor
Pro: A well-priced option from a name brand
Con: Less capable for extreme braking use
Despite a lower cost, the ACDelco Silver rotor delivers solid performance thanks to a non-directional brake surface finish. Heat resistance is also enhanced by multiple-alloy composition, a less-common feature in this price range. It’s ideal for everyday use and won’t break the bank. Shadetree mechanics will appreciate easy balancing during installation due to the thicker construction.
Bosch QuietCast Disc Brake Rotor
Pro: Easy adaptability with ABS technology
Con: Requires extra diligence to ensure parts match the car
German company Bosch has been around since the earliest days of the automobile and is a major parts supplier to automakers and the aftermarket. QuietCast rotors have a solid reputation for hushed operation and work well with modern vehicles’ anti-lock brakes and traction control systems. Bosch uses an aluminum and zinc coating to minimize rust, a helpful feature when accompanied by open-style wheels.
Brembo UV Coated Disc Brake Rotor
Pro: The ultimate brand name when it comes to brakes
Con: Extra cost associated with the Brembo brand
Brembo brakes are standard equipment on many high-end vehicles, especially performance models. So the opportunity to add this premium equipment to everyday cars appeals to enthusiasts and ordinary owners alike. The company uses high-carbon cast iron to keep noise and vibration to a minimum. Meanwhile, an accompanying screw kit makes installation a breeze for this best brake rotor.
Centric Premium Brake Rotor
Pro: Broad range of model compatibility
Con: Not the cheapest rotor on the market
The Centric name may not be as familiar as other brands on this list, but this firm is one of the largest aftermarket brake suppliers in the country. The company’s Premium line of rotors offers capable braking performance for many vehicles on the road today. While Centric coats its rotors, like other manufacturers, it skips the cheaper phosphate finish in favor of an electrostatic process for improved durability.
DuraGo Vented Brake Rotor
Pro: Ideal for high-moisture, high-salt environments
Con: The cheapest versions are less corrosion resistant
Car owners who regularly deal with wet or salt-covered roads will want to take advantage of DuraGo Vented brake rotors. An electrophoretic finish (on the premium version) helps reduce rust accumulations, while the standard version is one of the most-affordable rotors on the market. DuraGo also uses advanced metallurgical engineering to ensure smooth and steady braking and a multiple-vane design for enhanced heat dissipation.
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Raybestos Disc Brake Rotor
Pro: A great bang-for-your-buck brake rotor
Con: Not suitable for many high-end vehicles
The Raybestos brand may not have the cache of Brembo, but what it lacks in name recognition is compensated for by providing highly capable brake rotors at affordable prices. These components incorporate rust-resistant engineering while meeting Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) standards. Raybestos rotors are available for most mainstream passenger cars, SUVs, and light-duty trucks.
Wagner Brake Rotor
Pro: Thoughtful, mechanic-friendly touches for more convenient installation
Con: Inconsistent pricing among retailers
Wagner’s entry into the automotive industry began in the early part of the 20th century and gained notoriety over the years for high-performance brake components that appeared as original equipment in cars. Wagner’s rotors are also well-regarded in the aftermarket. A check of customer reviews on websites selling Wagner rotors reveals an abundance of four- and five-star reviews. The company makes installation easier by packing the rotors in a special corrosion inhibitor bag that eliminates the need for a messy oil coating.
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