How to Buy the Right Brake Rotors

March 20, 2025

4 min read

March 20, 2025

4 min read

If your rotors are warped or worn out, you won’t have the stopping power you might need in an emergency. Brake rotors are meant to last between 30,000 and 70,000 miles with normal use. After that, they need to be replaced. Learn more about how brake rotors work and when it’s time to replace them - opens in new window or tab..

There is a wide variety of brake rotor types on the market. The most important factor is proper fit, ensuring that the rotor is compatible with your make and model. In most cases, you will be well-served by a high-quality stock replacement brake rotor.

Types of Brake Rotors

A pair of new drilled and slotted rotors, displayed on a white background. — Drilled and slotted rotors are designed to stand up to the demands of high-performance driving.

Solid rotors - opens in new window or tab. are the most common type. They are as simple as can be, a block of cast iron. That said, this design is sufficient for most driving. The brakes generate heat and the brake rotor soaks it up and radiates it out. What’s important is to buy a reputable, OEM-level part.

Ventilated rotors - opens in new window or tab. are just like solid rotors, only they have built-in cooling fins. The iron rotors absorb heat and the fins dissipate it. These come stock on vehicles designed for hauling, towing, or any other situation that requires a lot of heavy-duty braking. As cars and trucks get bigger and heavier, the more durable ventillated design became more common.

Drilled rotors - opens in new window or tab. have small holes designed to vent more heat away from the rotors as well as prevent slipping due to wet weather. These are found in high-performance vehicles and sports cars. They look cool, though you might not find a great difference in the brake pedal when installing them on an ordinary street car. After all, your Corolla isn’t going on the race track, where drilled rotors might make a difference.

Slotted rotors - opens in new window or tab. also help dissipate heat from repeated hard braking. Some manufacturers even produce rotors that are slotted and drilled. Both methods work towards the same goal. You may find these on sports cars and vehicles meant to do a lot of off-roading. Just like with drilled rotors, your street car might not get a huge benefit from jumping up to slotted rotors.

How to Find Brake Rotors That Fit Your Car

A set of OEM 2019-21 Toyota RAV4 rear brake rotor and brake pads, displayed on a white background. — If your brake rotors are due for replacement, consider buying a set that includes matching brake pads.

Brake rotors are designed for specific vehicles. Different cars might appear to have the same rotors, but they might have different bolt patterns or spacing for the brake caliper.

To be sure that you’re getting the correct rotors, use the eBay Parts Finder - opens in new window or tab.. Add the year, make, model, trim, and engine of your vehicle and get customized search results to ensure the right fit.

To find brake rotors, click the tab on the left marked “Brakes & Brake Parts” and then “Brake Disc Rotors.” Remember to input all your vehicle’s information to ensure you are getting a rotor that fits. Different trims of the same car may need different rotors.

How much should you spend on brake rotors?

For basic rotors, expect to spend between $35 and $75 per corner. Drilled or slotted rotors found on higher-performance vehicles may cost between $100 and $300 per rotor. This isn’t the top of the market. High-performance materials like carbon ceramic—found on luxury performance cars—can increase prices into the thousands.

If you go to an independent shop, expect to spend between $150 and $300 per axle. A dealership is more expensive, perhaps $400 per axle. Fortunately, changing brake rotors is a fairly simple job. If you have the tools and the mechanical experience, you can do it yourself in an afternoon.

Follow our detailed guide and video for how to replace a brake rotor - opens in new window or tab..

Replace Your Brake Pads With Your Brake Rotors

A mechanic wearing work gloves compares a new brake pad with a worn brake pad. — Swap in a fresh set of brake pads when replacing brake rotors.

Brake pads and rotors kit: We recommend that you replace your brake pads - opens in new window or tab. at the same time as your rotors. If your rotors are worn out, your pads are also bad. Besides, if you put new pads on an old rotor, it can cause glazing on the pads themselves. Replace both together to save time and prevent uneven wear. Brake kits - opens in new window or tab. come with both rotors and pads, so you can do a complete overhaul of your brakes at the same time.

Brake calipers kit: Calipers hold your brake pads and press them onto the rotor. Inspect them while you are going over your brakes to be sure they are in good working order. While you’re replacing the brake pads and rotors, you can also replace the calipers. It’s a time-intensive job that will require you to bleed your brakes. Brake caliper kits - opens in new window or tab. provide the necessary components in a single package.

About the author

Michael O'Connor

Michael O’Connor is a Bay Area writer who grew up restoring classic cars. These days, he works on his 1979 Fiat Spider. Michael is an alum of Sonoma State’s Creative Writing program. He began professional auto writing in 2015, contributing to AutoList, CarGurus, Endurance Warranty, Safe-Guard, and other car sites.

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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.