Your vehicle's braking system needs ongoing maintenance to ensure your safety on the road. Most passenger vehicles utilize calipers and rotors to help stop the forward motion of the wheels. You may be surprised to learn that not all rotors are created equal.
The next time you take your car in for a new brake installation, consider making the switch to vented rotors.
Vented vs. Solid Rotor Design
The interior structure of vehicle brake rotors can vary. Solid rotors are continuous discs made from solid metal. Vented rotors are made of two solid discs that are joined together with vertical metal structures, referred to as vanes, around the perimeter.
The unique design of vented rotors can offer some significant benefits when it comes to the performance of your vehicle. The air pockets between the solid discs allow for maximum airflow throughout the rotor. This will dispel more heat, allowing your rotors to withstand warping for a longer period of time.
The thermal capacity of a vented rotor is also much higher than that of a solid rotor, which prevents poor braking in extreme weather conditions.
Vane Design
Once you have determined that vented rotors can add to the safety and performance of your vehicle, you will need to determine which vane design best meets your driving needs. An experienced mechanic can install vented rotors with directional or non-directional vanes.
Non-directional vanes have a pillar design, and it doesn't matter which way the vanes are facing when the tire is in rotation. Directional vanes are curved in nature, which allows them to absorb the maximum amount of heat.
The direction the curve is facing can have a direct impact on the braking performance of your vehicle. It's important to adhere to the manufacturer's recommendation when installing directional vanes to avoid a potential disaster down the road.
Weight
The weight of a vented rotor can vary based on the vane design of the rotor itself. Non-directional vanes use a minimal amount of material and have a lightweight design. This makes non-directional rotors a great choice for drivers who spend most of their time commuting to work or running errands around town.
Drivers who operate their vehicles under harsh conditions (like high speeds, long distances, or extreme temperatures) will have better results with a heavier directional rotor. The added weight provides better heat dispersion and gives your vehicle maximum stopping power when heavy braking is applied.
Share8 July 2019
After trying in vain to fix my car for a few months, I realized that I needed to hire a professional. I was tired of dealing with repairs that I was unfamiliar with, and I knew that I needed to get some help. I started looking around for a great auto mechanic, and even though one business was more expensive than others, I decided to work with them. They worked hard to fix my car, and I was really pleased with how great of a job they did. This blog is all about investing in proper auto service so that you don't have to deal with problems in the future.
