How long do brake rotors last?

Brake rotor life varies, but here’s how long they should last

On average, most rotors can last 30K to 70K miles. But rotor life varies based on what brake pads you install and how you drive. If the brake rotors aren’t deeply scored when it’s time to replace brake pads, they can be lightly machined and reused. On average, a brake rotor can be used for 30,000 to as much as 70,000 miles.

When does a rotor have to be replaced?

If it has deep scoring from rocks and road debris, it probably can’t be machined and reused

If the rotor has worn too thin, it can’t be reused

All brake rotors have a “discard” thickness stamped into the casting. In order to be reused, it must be at least thicker than the discard thickness.

If the cooling vanes have excessive rust that can’t be removed, it must be replaced

This rust isn’t that bad, but some rotor vanes are so rusted they can’t ventilate and cool the rotor. Those must be replaced.

If the rotor is cracked or deeply pitted, it must be replaced

A cracked rotor must be replaced and deep pitting usually means the rotor can’t be machined.