5 signs that may indicate it's time to change your brake discs

For safe driving where we can make the most of our motorcycle, it is important to have a good braking system, including quality brake discs. But, in addition, it is equally important to pay attention to their condition and maintenance. Brake discs, contrary to what one might think, must be changed from time to time. Although they have a fairly long useful life, this can vary depending on how we use them and our riding style.

At NG BRAKES, we want you to be able to enjoy your passion with maximum safety, regardless of the terrain and destination. To avoid any scares on the road and to change the discs on time, it is essential that we recognize these signs:

1. As you probably know, the thickness of our brake disc is the primary indicator. Generally, you can find the following silk-screened on the core: MIN.TH and a measurement in millimeters. This indicates the minimum thickness for the disc to function correctly. The most logical way to know if our disc has that thickness is with a caliper. However, there is a sign that can give us clues: a small "step" forms between the pad's contact area and the outer edge or the unused areas of the braking track. Look closely at it. When this step becomes very abrupt, it's time to measure.
2. Pay attention during braking. If you notice vibrations once the brakes have reached operating temperature, this could be a sign of irregular friction material deposits (ferodo). It is important to detect this early, as it can be resolved before permanent deformation occurs.
3. Another detail you can check regularly to detect possible disc deterioration is the condition of the cooling holes. If you see that their shape has lost its regularity, the time has come to replace them.
4. If you have missed all these signs, your brake disc may eventually warp or bend. This is not something that happens frequently, but if the disc has suffered a thermal spike so high that its internal structure has fractured, it will no longer function correctly. You will notice strong vibrations during every braking maneuver. If you reach this point, do not wait any longer; replacing the disc is paramount.
5. In addition to all this, another indicator that can signal brake disc deterioration is the loss of feel in the brake levers. This loss is not always directly related to a disc malfunction, but it warns that something in the braking system is not right. If this happens to you, the best thing to do is a complete check-up of the bike to detect the problem and solve it before it gets complicated.