Johnson Subaru of Cary Service Center
4.8
Good StandingSa 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Su Closed
Crossroads Exxon Tires & Auto
4.6
Good StandingSa 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Su 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Below are just a few examples of typical Symptoms and Fixes your car might be experiencing
Your car is braking weirdly because something in the brake system is sticky it can be the brake pads...
The grinding sounds commonly come from worn or rusty brake pads touching the rotors Alternatively yo...
Your car isnrsquot starting because of a battery problem The battery might have died or has corroded...
The engine is sputtering because of a faulty fuel pump or mechanical failure causing the unmeasured ...
The steering wheel is shaking because of bad suspension tirerelated issues or a loose tie rod In thi...
The transmission feels like slipping because its fluid level is low However in rarer cases it can be...
An overheating car sends obvious signs of danger steam from the hood foul smells and the frightening...
The brake pad is possibly getting stuck because the caliper piston is damaged and canrsquot release ...
The engine struggles to start in the cold because of the battery In this case the chemical reactions...
Your car isnrsquot accelerating because it has a low fuel flow A clogged air filter faulty injectors...
The car jerks when its not getting enough air or fuel or if therersquos a transmission problem Its s...
It wonrsquot shift because the shift interlock is damaged the shifter release is broken or the shift...
Below you can find information about other fixes
Your vehicle's brake rotors might need a resurfacing service if they have these issues:
Pulsation or vibration when braking: Often caused by uneven rotor surface or minor warping. Machining can smooth it out.
Visible grooves or scoring: If your rotors have ridges from worn brake pads but still have enough thickness left, resurfacing can restore a flat, even surface.
Minor rust or glazing: If the rotor face has light rust or pad material buildup (glaze), resurfacing can clean it off.
New brake pads on old rotors: Sometimes shops recommend resurfacing so pads seat properly and wear evenly, especially if rotors aren’t perfectly flat.
Sometimes, you need to replace the rotors instead of resurfacing them. Let's see some of these cases:
Rotor below minimum thickness: Every rotor has a stamped “minimum thickness.” If machining takes it under that spec, it must be replaced.
Cracks or deep damage: Heat cracks, very deep grooves, or heavy rust mean replacement is safer.
Excessive warping: If rotors are badly warped, machining often won’t hold up for long.
Already resurfaced before: Each cut thins the rotor. If it’s been turned once or twice already, replacement is usually better.
Resurface if the damage is light to moderate, and you’ll still stay above the manufacturer’s minimum thickness.
Replace if they’re too thin, cracked, or badly warped.
Many modern shops skip resurfacing and go straight to replacement because new rotors are often relatively affordable and ensure longer pad life.
If you suspect your brake rotors are having problems, a brake inspection might be what you need. But, if you’d like to notice on your own if your rotors are in dire straits, keep an eye out for the symptoms we’ll list below; they indicate rotor problems.
Still, take the vehicle for an inspection, and if the rotors have a problem, a rotor resurfacing process might just be what fixes it.
Worn rotors make high-pitched squeals or squeaks when you brake, especially if they're uneven or glazed.
Rotors with worn and damaged surfaces will make grinding noises, which means that the brake pads have worn down completely and the metal backing is pressing the rotor.
Warped rotors have an uneven surface that causes vibration or pulsation in the brake pedal—you might also feel the steering wheel shaking when you press the brakes.
Increased Stopping Distance
Damaged or worn rotors won’t brake as good, leading to longer stopping distances.
Visible Damage or Grooves
If you check your rotors and see deep grooves, scoring, or rust, it’s a clear sign they need resurfacing or replacement.
Overheated rotors can make a burning smell, especially after heavy braking or when you drive downhill.
Brake Pedal Feels "Soft" or "Spongy"
This happens if the rotor isn’t working well with the brake pads, possibly due to being worn out and warped, though it could also mean different brake system issues.
Uneven Brake Pad Wear
If one rotor is in worse shape than the others, you might notice the tires and brake pads on the worst side wearing out faster.