The Mazda 3 is not your average vehicle. It is among the sleekest and compact cars in the market and it precedes its reputation with its remarkable interior and outstanding build.
However, the car is useless without a functional braking system. You also want to consider that it is a heavy car so it may be harder to stop at high speeds.
Therefore, you may find yourself in the market for the best rotors for Mazda 3. This review will come in handy to help you make the right choice so you may want to keep it here for that.
Table of Contents
Comparison Table of High Quality Mazda 3 Brake Rotors:
Now, this guide is going to be comprehensive and while that is a good thing, we understand that you may not in a position to read everything on here.
That is why we put together the following comparison table that summarizes our top choices. It should help you make a faster choice.
| Rank | Product | Some Top Info |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bosch QuietCast Premium Brake Rotor Compatible with Mazda 3 Check Latest Price | Fits: 2004-2013 Mazda 3 Brand: Bosch Automotive Material: ABS, Aluminum Position: Front Weight: 15.59 pounds Dimensions: 12.6 x 12.2 x 2.56 inches Country of Origin: China |
| 2 | Detroit Axle Front & Rear Mazda 3 Brake Kit Set Rotors with Pads Check Latest Price | Fits: Mazda 3 Brand: Detroit Axle Position: Front and Rear (All 4) Exterior: Zinc Weight: 60.3 pounds Dimensions: 19 x 12 x 6 inches Warranty: 10-Year |
| 3 | Callahan Mazda 3 OE Front and Rear Brake Rotors![Callahan CDS03907 FRONT 279.8mm + REAR 264.5mm D/S 5 Lug [4] Rotors [...](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41EayB0n1EL._SL160_.jpg) Check Latest Price | Fits: 2014, 2015, 2016 Mazda 3 Brand: Callahan Brake Parts Position: Front + Rear Rotor Type: Drilled & Slotted Brake Rotors Diameter: Front = 279.8 mm, Vented; Rear = 264.5 mm, Solid Warranty: 12 Months |
How to Choose the Right Brake Rotors for Mazda 3
For you to get the best Mazda 3 rotors, you have to consider several factors while making your choice. Here are some of those factors.
I) Rotors Type
Before you begin your purchasing journey, you need to know that there are different types of rotors.
1. Blank/Smooth Brake Rotors
First, we have blank or smooth rotors that are fitted in most vehicles right out of the factory.
This kind of rotor provides a friction surface where your brake pads clamp to and while this generates the friction required for your car to slow down, it also produces a significant amount of heat that can cause your braking system to wear down prematurely.
2. Cross-Drilled Brake Rotors
Next, we have cross-drilled rotors that come with drilled holes across the surface to allow faster dissipation of heat from the friction.
This will give you greater stopping power.
3. Slotted Brake Rotors
These brake rotors come with thin lines or slots on the surface that work to remove water from the braking system as well as keep it cool.
The biggest advantage of these rotors is that they are not susceptible to clogging from debris, dirt, or mud. This then makes them the ideal brake rotors for off-road vehicles and trucks.
4. Drilled and Slotted Brake Rotors
As the name implies, these rotors come with the features of both slotted and drilled rotors. As such, you are going to enjoy things like an extended lifespan, reduced brake fade, and great heat dissipation. Now, these are more expensive than the other ones but you can see why and we are at it, we dare say that they will be the perfect brake rotors for Mazda 3.
II) Rotors Material
Most of the Mazda 3 brake rotors in the market are made of cast iron, which is a solid material. However, it is heavy as well and that may compromise your ability to do the installation yourself.
If that is an issue, you may then opt to go for steel or layered steel because it is lighter and dissipates heat better. Aluminum and carbon are other lightweight options.
Whatever you pick here is up to you but we would recommend carbon-ceramic or ceramic rotors as they deliver unparalleled heat dissipation and cooling capacity.
III) Protective Coating
Your brake rotors will be exposed to debris, dirt, and moisture whenever you drive. Of course, this makes them susceptible to rusting and you do not want that.
To protect rotors against the same, some manufacturers coat their rotors with corrosion-resistant material like Zinc Dichromate and we think this is an ingenious move.
Rotors with a protective coating also have an extended lifespan.
IV) Rotors Size
Most drivers will go similar replacement rotors like the ones that came with their cars. This also means that they will get the same size.
That said; some drivers will opt for big brake kits for greater stopping power. Such kits come with bigger rotors and other well-performing components.
What we want you to know is that bigger is not always better when it comes to stopping power so you may want to do your due diligence before opting for such a kit.
Best Rotors for Mazda 3 – Review
Picking the perfect Mazda 3 brake rotors does not have to be overwhelming or confusing. We have reviewed some of the top options in the market to make it easier for you to pick.
1. Bosch Mazda 3 Premium Disc Brake Rotor
On top of our list, we have these brake rotors that are built to be long lasting and durable. You want this for your braking system because we believe every driver wants parts that will stand the test of time and any driving conditions regardless of how harsh.
Did you know that heavy cars like the Mazda 3 tend to brake harder on slippery roads because they have higher speeds? With these rotors, you get to enjoy smoother stopping performance even with your heavier vehicle.
We also want to talk about noise. Some brake rotors produce squeaking noises which can be annoying but you do not have to worry about that with this particular set. It comes with a shim rubber core to provide better insulation and extra strength while braking.
What We Liked About It
You can certainly rely on this unit to extend the life of your car’s braking system simply because there is a transfer layer between the brake pads and rotors that protects them.
Other than that, it comes with an Aluminum-Zinc coating to prevent it from rusting as well as an OEM-style configuration that works to dissipate heat for better-stopping performance and extended rotor life.
What we found appealing nonetheless is that this product is reasonably priced even with all the functionality and features it comes with. That gives you value for money.
What Could Have Been Better
According to some users, this product arrived scratched. We feel that the manufacturer could have packaged it better to avoid this.
Pros
- Quiet operation
- Highly functional
- Value for money
Cons
- Packaging could be better
2. Detroit Axle Front and Rear Replacement Brake Rotors with Pads for Mazda 3 – 10 Piece Set
Detroit Axle is known for producing aftermarket auto parts and has been in the business for more than 30 years. As such, you would expect to see those years of experience exhibited in this product and you will.
First, these rotors work perfectly with other OEM brake parts so you will not have any issues with that. Besides, their long lifespan and perfect fit make them ideal replacement parts. Even with your heavy-duty Mazda 2, you can depend on these rotors to deliver great functionality for a long time.
What We Liked About It
You are certainly going to enjoy greater braking power with these rotors as they are engineered to exceed OEM specifications. They also come with the fit and finish to facilitate the same.
Moving away from that, these ceramic brake pads do not come with any metallic parts so rusting will not be a concern.
We love that the rotors come with all the hardware required for installation. That will make the process easier.
What Could Have Been Better
As reported by some users, these rotors produce squeaky noises while in operation. We feel that the manufacturer should have put a noise-reduction mechanism in place to counter the same.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Thick
- Superior braking power
Cons
- Quite noisy
3. Callahan Premium Front and Rear Brake Rotors Fit Mazda 3 Sedan
These rotors are drilled and slotted so you can rely on them to deliver great braking power. You can expect optimal performance regardless of your driving conditions with these.
Still, on stopping power, these rotors come with holes to improve heat dissipation for greater braking power. The manufacturer also guarantees that these rotors will perform equally or better than OE parts.
![Callahan CDS03907 FRONT 279.8mm + REAR 264.5mm D/S 5 Lug [4] Rotors [...](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41EayB0n1EL.jpg)
What We Liked About It
If you are looking for the best brake rotors for Mazda 3 that will give you confident and quiet braking, you have to consider these as they deliver just that.
These rotors are also extremely easy to install making the perfect choice for beginners or new drivers. They are also thick to give you the durability and solid performance you need while driving. We love that about this product.
What Could Have Been Better
As reported by several users, they did not receive what was pictured on the product description. We feel that the manufacturer should have updated the product description or be clear about it to avoid customer mistrust.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Durable
Cons
- Misleading product description
Commonly Asked Questions Regarding the Mazda 3 Brake Rotors (FAQs):
Here are some commonly asked questions that have to do with Mazda 3 rotors. They should give you a better understanding of the same.
Q: When should I replace the rotors on my Mazda 3?
A: Every time you have your brake pads replaced, have your mechanic measure the rotor thickness. This is because rotors last twice as long as brake pads which means you should replace yours every second service for your brake pads.
Q: How long should brakes last on my Mazda 3?
A: Generally, most brake pads will make it to the 50,000-mile mark. That said; this varies based on the terrain you drive in and your driving habits.
Q: How much do rotors for a Mazda 3 cost?
A: The minimum estimated cost for a brake rotor will be $60. If you want All 4 Front and Rear Brake Rotors at once, then the estimated cost will be $250 to $600. Just ensure that you get yours from a trusted brand.
The Winning Mazda 3 Rotor: Our Top Pick
The Bosch 34010892 QuietCast Premium Brake Rotor has to be our top pick. It is built to offer durability and longevity which puts you in a position to save your coins. This product can also withstand the harshest of driving conditions.
Moreover, it comes with a noise-reduction mechanism so you will not hear any of those squeaky noises that come from other braking systems.
We love that it comes plated in Zinc and Aluminum to prevent rusting as well.
Conclusion
Brake rotors play a crucial role when it comes to getting your vehicle to stop. As such, you want to ensure that you are getting high-quality rotors for your Mazda 3.
Aside from the buying guide that equips you with all the knowledge you need while shopping for the same, all the options we have reviewed are great so feel free to pick from our list.