How can I tell if brake rotors are worn and need replacement?

[PenelopeWL]

I just got a quote for a brake job and the mechanic said I need new rotors, not just pads. The car doesn’t pull or vibrate when I stop, so I’m wondering if that’s really necessary or if they’re just trying to upsell me. How can you tell when a rotor is truly worn out and needs replacing?

[Scott27]

I had a similar quote. They pulled out a micrometer and showed the disc thickness was still above the minimum and there were no heat cracks. They suggested resurfacing, but I ended up just replacing the pads.

[AndrewM]

If the car stops straight and feels fine, it can be hard to justify new discs. But grooves or hotspots can hide until you notice a scrape or vibration later.

[ThomasJ]

One shop told me the rotor was worn and needed replacement. I didn’t feel pulsing or grabbing, so I doubted whether that was the real problem.

[PaisleyD]

I went ahead with pads only and watched closely for a few weeks. No dramatic change, but I kept notes in case something showed up. Do you have a photo of the disk condition to show the scale?