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March 28, 2024

Inspection Station Bulletin 24-2 | Brake Rotors Rust

 

Vermont Periodic Inspection Manual (VPIM) / DMV Rule - CVR 14-050-022

In 2019, the Vermont Periodic Inspection Manual (VPIM) was amended. Since that time concerns have been raised regarding the definition of rust. This memo will provide clarification.

Rust is NOW defined “as a condition of any swelling, delamination, or pitting.”

Surface rust should wear off with normal driving use. If surface rust does not come off, there is a problem with the braking system and/or, there may be more than just surface rust on the rotor.

Here are samples of rotors with “surface rust” that would not constitute a rejection:

Picture 1 - The rotor is covered with “surface rust.”
The rotor is covered with “surface rust.”
Picture 2 - The “surface rust” has been removed from the braking surface and has returned to the original finish through normal operation.
The “surface rust” has been removed from the braking surface and has returned to the original finish through normal operation. 

Here are examples of swelling, delamination, pitting and of a ½ inch of cumulative rust which would constitute a rejection.

examples of swelling, delamination, pitting and of a ½ inch of cumulative rust which would constitute a rejection

examples of swelling, delamination, pitting and of a ½ inch of cumulative rust which would constitute a rejection

examples of swelling, delamination, pitting and of a ½ inch of cumulative rust which would constitute a rejection

Should you or your customers have any concerns regarding this criterion, please contact the DMV Enforcement and Safety Division at (802) 828-2067 or visit the DMV website to locate a DMV Inspector near you.

DMV Inspector Map | Department of Motor Vehicles (vermont.gov)

Customer Information

Rust: Rotor rust as defined in the Vt Periodic Inspection Manual (VPIM) will compromise braking efficiency and safety.

Rust is developed from moisture (rain, snow, mud, other), inactivity and/or by salty winter roads. Vehicle age and miles are not necessarily a factor.

Your rotor should have a smooth shiny surface where the pad affixes to the rotor.  Rust inhibits the brake pads from gaining a proper grip and/or dispersing heat effectively. If orange with surface rust, it should rub off with normal use.

Swelling, delamination and pitting on the contact surface (where the brake pad strikes the rotor) reduces the friction required to stop a vehicle in an emergency/panic braking situation. This is directly related to the brakes’ effectiveness and ability to stop as designed.

Swelling decreases braking efficiency due to uneven surfaces created by rust and will likely result in your vehicle taking longer to stop.

Prevention: Surface rust will build over time, developing into more harmful rust that will affect your brake rotors and other braking components. Friction from regular brake use will wear surface rust off and slow down the delamination process.

Protect your brakes from rust by simply using your brakes, wash the undercarriage of your vehicle regularly (remove salt), and apply brake cleaner as needed.   Lack of use or inactivity will allow rust to build.  

Electric vehicles require less brake use than that of a vehicle with a combustible engine.  Make sure to use the brakes, and keep the rotors clear of surface rust that will build over time from inactivity and keep the rotors free of corrosive salt.

Rust not only affects pads/rotors, but may also cause the calipers to seize, brake lines to fail and possibly inhibit the ABS system from properly activating.

*** “Surface rust” is not grounds for rejection. ***

Download Bulletin as PDF

March 25, 2024

Commercial Motor Vehicle Crash Topsham, VT

SUBJECT: Commercial Motor Vehicle Crash

DATE / TIME OF INCIDENT:   3.22.24 13:06 hours

INCIDENT NUMBER:  24MV003488

TYPE OF EVENT(S):  Commercial motor Vehicle cash.  Post Crash inspection, DUI Investigation

LOCATION OF EVENT(S):  Topsham, VT

INVESTIGATING INSPECTOR(S):  Inspectors Ben Shelp and Rajesh Hailey.

SUMMARY:  On 3/22/24 DMV Commercial Motor Vehicle Inspectors were dispatched to a single vehicle Commercial Motor Vehicle crash on Hart Rd in Topsham, VT.  The Vehicle was identified as a 2022 Freightliner UPS truck operated by Mathew Brownlie 36 of ST Johnsbury Vermont.  No injuries were reported and Rescue was not dispatched to the scene.  Wright’s towing of Barton removed the vehicle from the scene.  Brownlie was taken to the ST Johnsbury barracks and processed for DUI.  Brownlie was released with a citation to appear in Orange county Superior court.  A level 1 post crash inspection was completed.  The case is still under investigation at this time.

ROAD CLOSURE(S): Hart Road was closed briefly while the truck was being removed.

 

This is an informational post made in the interest of transparency and public awareness of the activities of the Department of Motor Vehicles. For more information about a specific incident, please contact DMV HQ at 802-828-2078.