Bad Vibes (Disc brake rotor problems)

Posted October 12, 2025 3:54 AM

If you were to name the most important safety feature on your vehicle right now, what would your answer be? A lot of driving experts would agree that it’s your brakes.  Most newer vehicles use a well-engineered and efficient style of brakes called disc brakes. 

The name disc brakes comes from one of the components: a disc attached to the wheel hub that is squeezed by parts called calipers.  If you’ve ever ridden a bicycle with hand brakes, you probably have seen how they squeeze against the rim of the bike wheel to stop the bike. It’s similar to the way your vehicle’s calipers squeeze against the disc rotor, with added parts called brake pads attached to the calipers that are what create the friction and stop your vehicle.

Here’s why disc brakes need regular maintenance.  Over time, that friction creates wear and tear on the brake pads and the rotors, and you’ll start to see the signs.  Your brakes may have one of the 3 “S” sounds: squeaking, squealing, or scraping. The sound is usually the first sign of brake pad wear which can lead to rotor damage.  Soon you may notice a pulsating or vibration when you brake. That’s because your once smooth and straight rotor disc is warping from the heat generated from friction. Or it may be due to wear.  Eventually, your brakes will take a longer distance to stop your vehicle, and the rotors can have grooves carved into them.

When you start noticing any of these signs, it’s a good idea to have them inspected by a trained technician.  They will measure the rotor thickness, check wear patterns for grooves and heat discoloration, and see how much of the brake pads remain. They will also check to make sure all brake components are moving freely, check your brake fluid, and look for corrosion.

Most vehicle manufacturers require worn or damaged rotors to be replaced, not resurfaced. It’s all part of a complete brake job, replacing pads and the brake hardware parts along with the rotors. It reduces the chance of premature failure.

How often you will need your brakes serviced depends on the manufacturer’s recommendations, your driving habits, and the environment you live in.  Your service facility can recommend the best replacement parts based on those factors. 

Regular maintenance and attention are vital for keeping your brakes performing like they are designed to. Remember, your brakes are your vehicle’s most important safety feature.

Dennis Road Automotive
11155 Dennis Road
Dallas, TX 75229
9722411901



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What our clients are saying about us

We have established longterm and stable partnerships with various clients thanks to our excellence in solving their automotive needs!

Where do I start ADAM ADAM ADAM remember that name his customer service was outstanding, spectacular, and above and beyond, when I first pulled up he had a Genuine spirit, His presence made me feel very comfortable, I didn’t get this feeling “this guys just here to do a job and get paid” but that he has a heart to care about his clients, He listened, took notes, and understood what I was requesting fully. I told him how I went to another mechanic shop and how I was treated there and how much they were trying to charge me to fix an issue he emphasized with me and understood that not everyone have money to blow especially fixing unnecessary things that doesn’t necessarily pertain to the issue at hand I was being upsold at another mechanic shop and over charged but ADAM rest assured he doesn’t do that there he knows when you treat a customer right they’ll continue to be loyal. I was expecting to have it in the shop for a while and having to Uber to work and back it gets expensive when you’re 30 mins away from work. He was able to fix my Auto Stop Start and Check Engine light for dang near HALF the price of another mechanic shop quoted me and didn’t upsell me and fixed it in 2 DAYS! He was so nice I offered a tip 3 times and he denied it real genuine he also checked in on me to make sure things were straight. I was extremely happy to know it’s fixed and that I’m saving HALF the price I was quoted I found my Guy and Mechanic shop at Dennis Auto Motive HIGHLY RECOMMEND quotes-image
, 01/16/2026
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I’ve trusted Dennis Road Automotive for many years, though it’s been a while since my last visit, mainly because they’re not open on weekends. I’ve always appreciated their straightforward service, and I still miss Riley, who brought a great personal touch to the experience. On my most recent visit, I was charged $374 for a new battery for a Lexus ES350. I’m not sure how that compares in today’s economy, but it gave me the same feeling you get when dining out these days, quality isn’t necessarily better, yet the prices seem to jump significantly. The work was completed, and the team was professional, but the cost left me wondering if the value aligns with what it used to be. I still want to support businesses that have served the community for so long, and I hope they continue to provide honest, dependable service at a price that feels fair in the current market.quotes-image
, 12/10/2025
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