DO I HAVE TO BREAK IN MY ROTORS?

The bedding procedure is critical to brake performance. Each vehicle has slight differences in how the pads will compress onto the rotor, requiring this to be done on an individual vehicle basis. ​This way the brake pads can deposit an even layer of friction material onto the rotors. It is very important that this initial layer of friction material is evenly distributed.​

HOW TO BREAK IN YOUR NEW ROTORS

When breaking in brakes, it’s a good rule of thumb to leave plenty of space between you and any vehicle or stop line. ​​However, it is important to note that the break-in procedure varies based on the type of rotor.

STEP 1: PERFORM A SERIES OF DECELERATIONS

After installation, perform thirty decelerations from thirty miles per hour to five miles per hour.

STEP 2: ALLOW COOLING TIME BETWEEN EACH DECELERATION

Allow thirty seconds in between each deceleration for cooling. You should expect to smell some resin as the brakes get hot.

STEP 3: BE PREPARED FOR UNEXPECTED STOPS DURING THE PROCESS

If you’re forced to come to a complete stop during deceleration, either shift into neutral or give room in front so you can allow the vehicle to roll slightly while waiting for the light. The rotors will be very hot and holding down the brake pedal will allow the pad to create an imprint on the rotor. This is where a judder can originate from.

STEP 4: ENJOY YOUR NEW BRAKES!

Once this is completed, and after the brakes have cooled to standard operating temperature, you may use the brakes normally. When this process is complete, enjoy your vehicle’s newest performance upgrade with PowerStop brakes.

Note: Never cool your brakes with water, as this can damage them.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF NOT BEDDING NEW ROTORS?

If you don’t break in your new rotors, you may experience a number of problems with your braking system, such as:

• Uneven wear: If the rotors are not properly broken in, they may wear unevenly, which can lead to problems with brake performance. This can result in a pulsating or vibrating sensation when braking, and it may also cause the brake pads to wear unevenly, leading to more frequent replacements.
• Warping: New rotors may be more prone to warping if they are not properly broken in. Warping can occur when the rotors become overheated due to excessive braking, which can cause them to become distorted. This can result in poor brake performance, as well as increased brake noise and vibration.
• Reduced braking performance: If the rotors are not properly broken in, you may experience reduced braking performance. This can increase your stopping distance and make it more difficult to stop the vehicle in an emergency situation.
• Increased brake noise: If the rotors are not properly broken in, you may experience increased brake noise. This can be caused by uneven wear or warping of the rotors.