Do rotors come in pairs? When buying new brake rotors, most car owners wonder if they come in sets of two. Chances are, you’ll need to change your rotors in pairs if one of them appears worn or defective. Replacing them in pairs ensures even braking on both sides of your car.
Since rotors are critical to the brake system, you must inspect them thoroughly to know the way forward. And if they have deep grooves or cause vibrations when braking, it could be time to replace them. So, are brake rotors sold in sets of two?
Question: What Are Rotors?
Rotors are circular discs connected to each wheel’s hub. Most modern cars have four rotors attached to each wheel – 2 for the front wheel and 2 for the rear wheels. They work in conjunction with brake pads to slow down or stop a car.
When you step on your brake pedal, the calipers push brake pads towards the rotors. This movement creates friction against the rotors, causing the wheels to slow down. The rotor’s smooth surface creates a controlled speed reduction, preventing sudden braking.
Unfortunately, rotors don’t maintain their smooth surface for an extended period. But they should last longer than brake pads. If your pads last up to 50,000 miles, expect your rotors to give you close to 70,000 miles.
If your brake rotors have gone bad over time, replacing them with the original set can be essential. Now, do suppliers sell rotors in pairs or singly?
Question: Do Rotors Come in Pairs?
The answer is it depends on the supplier. Most auto part stores sell rotors in singles. It’s possible to buy and replace a single rotor when necessary. You can buy rotors singly from stores like Napa, O’Reilly, AutoZone, or Advance Auto Parts.
However, replacing just one rotor can lead to braking issues. That’s why some suppliers, such as eBay or RockAuto, sell rotors in pairs. Examining the damage or wear on your rotors can help you know if you should go to a supplier selling them in pairs or singly.
The only time you should replace a single rotor is if you replaced them recently. Simply put, replace a single rotor if the new set has covered less than 500 miles and it’s only one rotor that appears defective.
Question: Why Should You Replace Rotors in Pairs?
Replacing rotors in pairs ensures balanced braking performance and safety. Typically, rotors wear out with time, reducing their thickness. If you replace one rotor, the difference in thickness can reduce braking performance and stability.
Remember that the higher the rotor’s thickness, the higher the mass it’ll produce during braking. So, if you replace just one rotor, one wheel will receive more braking force, leading to stability and braking problems.
Changing rotors in pairs maintains consistent braking on both sides while ensuring even wear. Also, replacing them in pairs can help save time and money. You can buy two sets of rotors at a cheaper cost from an auto part store and have them replaced on both sides simultaneously.
Question: How Do You Know It’s Time to Replace Your Rotors?
There are several ways you can tell your rotors need immediate attention. Below are the common signs of bad brake rotors
- Squealing sound: Do you hear squealing or squeaking noises during braking? If yes, the rotors could be unevenly worn. You might also hear such noises if the brake pads have gone bad. So, inspect the rotors and pads to identify the cause.
- Excessive vibrations: Worn or defective rotors will create vibrations or pulsations in your steering wheel or brake pedal.
- Increased stopping distance: One of the most common signs of worn or bad rotors is reduced braking efficiency. Your car might take longer to stop after you’ve pressed the brake pedal.
- Grooves on the rotors: Debris, such as stones or metallic objects, can get trapped between the rotors and pads. When you apply brakes, these objects scratch the rotor, leading to noticeable grooves. Besides, unevenly worn brake pads can lead to visible grooves on your rotors.
If you notice such symptoms, address the root problem to prevent other issues from occurring. You can resurface the rotors if they appear grooved or unevenly worn out. Resurfacing creates a smooth surface to ensure braking efficiency.
If the rotors appear excessively worn or damaged, consider replacing them. And since we’ve answered your question, “Do rotors come in pairs?” You can replace rotors on both sides.
Question: How Many Rotors Come in a Box?
Many suppliers sell rotors as a single unit, while some provide two rotors in a box. Still, you’ll find some suppliers selling a package or bundle comprising four brake pads and two rotors. The number of rotors you find in a box will depend on where you buy them.
Buying such a package or bundle can help you save some bucks compared to buying each part individually. Just keep in mind that you get what you pay for. So, check the quality of each component in the box to ensure they’re high quality.
Question: Do the Quality and Type of Rotors Matter?
Yes. When changing brake rotors, ensure the new set is similar to the original and of the same quality. However, if you find superior quality, the better.
Rotors are available in four types: drilled, slotted, drilled & slotted, and blank & smooth. Each of these is designed for specific vehicles and driving conditions. So, when buying your rotors, check the type that suits your car and driving conditions.
Below, we’ve briefly explained each brake rotor to help you make an informed buying decision:
- Drilled: These rotors have holes drilled on the surface. The holes ensure proper heat dissipation and removal of water and dust on the surface. Such rotors are ideal for vehicles in wet climates.
- Slotted: Unlike drilled rotors, slotted rotors feature slots (narrow grooves) on the surface. These slots collect debris and draw air to cool the rotors and pads. Such rotors are ideal for heavy-duty SUVs or trucks.
- Drilled & Slotted: As their name implies, drilled & slotted rotors combine drilled holes and slots on the surface. They ensure optimal heat dissipation and dust or debris removal. Such rotors are ideal for high-performance vehicles like sports cars.
- Blank & Smooth: If you’re looking for simple and affordable rotors, consider the blank & smooth rotors. They’re common in passenger vehicles like sedans. Unfortunately, these rotors don’t last longer like other types and might have issues when removing debris or dissipating heat.
Final Thoughts
Rotors are among the most critical components of your car’s brake system. Regular maintenance of the brake system should help your rotors last longer. If they wear out or get damaged, you can resurface or replace them. But do rotors come in pairs?
The truth is, you can buy rotors in pairs or singly, depending on the supplier. Buying and changing rotors in pairs is advisable to ensure braking efficiency. Whether you’re purchasing a single rotor or a set of two depends on your decision.