Your vehicle’s brakes can get very dirty over time, so much so that regular car washes won’t cut it. Not only are they exposed to dirt and grime, but they also get dusty from the friction of your brake components.
To avoid rust and corrosion and prevent wear and tear on your brakes, we encourage drivers to take action and start cleaning their brake rotors. Brake rotors, along with many of your other brake parts, are made entirely of steel. To ensure your stops are smooth and seamless, start taking care of your brake rotors.
How Do Brake Rotors Get Rusty?
Metallic brake rotors are strong, especially in their initial years of wear. Whenever the rotors are exposed to moisture and combined with road salt, your rotor breaks down faster. It can eat away the metal, impairing your vehicle’s braking ability.
Easy At-Home Methods for Cleaning Brake Rotors
Method #1: Soap and Water
- Loosen the screws and nuts to remove the wheel
- Add soapy water to a spray bottle
- Apply the solution to the rotors and calipers
- Use a rag to wipe the rotors and dry them with a clean rag
- Put the wheels back on your vehicle
Method #2: White Vinegar
- Wear gloves and goggles
- Lift your vehicle with a lift or jack
- Loosen the screw and nuts and remove the wheel
- Take apart the calipers and brake rotors
- Fill up a tub or large bucket with white vinegar
- Soak brake components in solution for at least one hour - you might see bubbles forming
- Remove brake pieces and use a rag to wipe clean
- Reinstall them back on your vehicle and lower the vehicle
Your vehicle’s brakes will thank you for the cleaning by giving you more efficient and smooth stops. If your car is due for brake service or a brake inspection, please call or stop by Oswald Service Inc today