Tom

Dear    Tom,

Q I have a new Jetta (2009). In questioning about my brakes, several repair

shops have told me that the rotors on many of today’s new cars (mine
included) cannot be resurfaced because they are too thin. I was told this at a
Volkswagen dealer as well as a couple of repair shops. Is this true?

Earl—Reno,  Nevada

Earl,

A Unfortunately, in most cases with today’s passenger cars, this is true and

the rotors are often replaced when performing a brake job. It all depends on
how much metal has been worn off the rotors; a measurement of rotor
thickness should be part of the brake repair. If the rotors are too close to
safety specs, the rotors should be replaced with new ones. Most passenger car
rotors have enough metal for one, possibly two cuts.