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So the cadenza is due for its first front brake pads replacement coming up. My question to you all is, should the rotors be replaced? I've checked and they are perfectly smooth and in good condition. I just passed the 50,000-mile mark. Dealer said replacement during every pad change is normal if anything I believe a resurface will do just fine but I don't think the rotors need any attention at this time.
 

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Just went through this with my dealer. They quoted pads AND rotors and when I challenged the need for new rotors they said they'd check them and only replace if needed. Turned out I didn't even need new pads, still 3mm left.

I think it is a standard 'sell up' process and not needed. Isn't that why we replace the pads when they get too thin??!!
 

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That said, as long as they aren't warped or deep grooved, a one time resurface will do just fine. They can usually tell on the machine right away if there's a warp...and rears, it is rare that they need to be replaced, they just dont' get that hot, but my previous car all 4 rotors were in fact warped at about 70000 miles and needed replacement.
 

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So... questions.

I know this is a debate (sort of) but do you guys slow brake over longer distances (possibly coupled with coasting) or do you just brake harder for short distances? I personally try to make the easiest brake as possible and will do it slowly over time provided I have time to do so (stop sign coming up and several cars there) and not actually interrupting traffic flow or slowing people down too much in general. I wonder if that makes it warmer (as my buddy things) or saves them a little bit by not having to clamp as hard.

Also, I see different types of rotors, do we just have straight up solid rotors? As in not vented/slotted or whatever else. Is it worth it to invest in vented/slotted rotors provided they need to be replaced anyways? Is that for longevity or performance?

Lastly, I see different types of brake pads, things like The Yellow Stuff or Red Stuff and others (those seem to be a bit popular) with different compounds. I realize those are mostly for performance and not necessarily for longevity but does anyone have an preference. I know our cars aren't performance cars and yes I'd like to have them last for as long as possible but also would love to have really nice brakes. Our stock brakes are great but does anyone have any input on anything comparable that may be a bit better in either category?
 

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I find this interesting discussion because in Canada this would be totally covered by my warranty. For some reason in Canada the Cadenza is considered a premium car with bumper to bumper coverage and receive the same status as the K900 which as an aside I traded in for the Cadenza
 

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Would be nice if all covered by the KIA Premium program, but I checked my folder and it states "All wear items such as but not limited to brakes, rotors .. bulbs, wipers are specifically excluded".

Oh well ... and Happy Thanksgiving!!
 

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I know when I originally leased mine I had a 3yr year deal for maintenance. It was a special for when I leased. Also, we are still under the Kia premium support :) Just don't get all of our maintenance covered :(
 

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Would be nice if all covered by the KIA Premium program, but I checked my folder and it states "All wear items such as but not limited to brakes, rotors .. bulbs, wipers are specifically excluded".

Oh well ... and Happy Thanksgiving!!
well my package of books for the most part have remained unread . What is stopping one from getting brakes done say at Midas or another non Kia dealership at a better price ?
 

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So the cadenza is due for its first front brake pads replacement coming up. My question to you all is, should the rotors be replaced? I've checked and they are perfectly smooth and in good condition. I just passed the 50,000-mile mark. Dealer said replacement during every pad change is normal if anything I believe a resurface will do just fine but I don't think the rotors need any attention at this time.
Are you sure they need replacing? I personally wouldn't trust a dealer to tell me, I'd check myself to see how much pad is left. I have almost 50,000 miles on my 10 year old 2007 Jeep (bought new), and I'm still rocking the original pads and rotors - still have a good 5mm on the pads left at last check.

So... questions.

I know this is a debate (sort of) but do you guys slow brake over longer distances (possibly coupled with coasting) or do you just brake harder for short distances? I personally try to make the easiest brake as possible and will do it slowly over time provided I have time to do so (stop sign coming up and several cars there) and not actually interrupting traffic flow or slowing people down too much in general. I wonder if that makes it warmer (as my buddy things) or saves them a little bit by not having to clamp as hard.

Also, I see different types of rotors, do we just have straight up solid rotors? As in not vented/slotted or whatever else. Is it worth it to invest in vented/slotted rotors provided they need to be replaced anyways? Is that for longevity or performance?

Lastly, I see different types of brake pads, things like The Yellow Stuff or Red Stuff and others (those seem to be a bit popular) with different compounds. I realize those are mostly for performance and not necessarily for longevity but does anyone have an preference. I know our cars aren't performance cars and yes I'd like to have them last for as long as possible but also would love to have really nice brakes. Our stock brakes are great but does anyone have any input on anything comparable that may be a bit better in either category?
I do like you mention and, if I have the space, will coast as much as possible before braking, then as gently as possible. Save gas and brake pads.

We have solid rotors, and I personally don't think drilled/slotted rotors are necessary at all (it's for perfomace, not longevity). This isn't a sports car, at least I don't drive it that way and see no need to spend extra money for a minimal return in performance. Drilled holes supposedly make the rotor lighter, reducing unsprung weight at the wheel. Slots help in wet weather by allowing the water to more easily escape for better braking.

Don't have any recommendations on replacement pads - it's been about 15 years since I changed brake pads, and that was on a hooptie I owned when I lived in Germany. Take a look at some other forums for recomemndations - to me it's a balance of price/performance/longevity/amount of "dusting". Pick what's most important to you and find a pad that best meets what you are looking for.
 

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Yeah, slotted/drilled rotors have their place, help keeps them cool in track or "track like" conditions that require frequent braking over extended periods. Problem is that they will wear down pads much quicker from what I understand, and if you use them like they are meant to be used, they too will warp just like solid rotors, perhaps sooner.


I'm also pretty certain that stopping distance may increase with slotted/drilled, but what you get is the ability to use them frequently in a race, in that they will stay cooler longer so you don't get that early onset fade.
 

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Discussion Starter · #12 ·
Are you sure they need replacing? I personally wouldn't trust a dealer to tell me, I'd check myself to see how much pad is left. I have almost 50,000 miles on my 10 year old 2007 Jeep (bought new), and I'm still rocking the original pads and rotors - still have a good 5mm on the pads left at last check.

Yea this is the second dealer that said the same thing. I have about 3mm left on the fronts, also a local dealer is having a special on resurfacing and pad replacement for 130 so I'm just gonna go ahead and get them done.
 
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