Hey guys...washed the Coop today and I noticed that after washing the rotors had the color of rust on them . Is this normal or something that I should be concerned about? I read somewhere on here that after washing the car, I should take it out for a spin and use the breaks so it doesn't rust. Did that and for the most part most of it of was gone, except for the edges of the rotor.
What do you guys think?

 

The rust colored substance you saw was rust. It's no big deal, all rotors do this (except the super expensive composite ones).

So don't worry about it. The next time you drive it and apply the brakes, the thin layer of rust will disappear.

 

This is very common with any rotor and certainly a normal thing especially after it rains. The rotors are made of steel and rust is supposed to happen.
Each rotor can be split up into three areas.
1) The flat disc that contacts the brake pads- this is where you probably noticed the rust and it can start happening right away-(a red or brown oxide coating on iron or steel caused by the action of oxygen and moisture).
2) The center hub section or hat- which on stock rotors is usually painted grey and not going to rust until the paint is worn off.
3) The edge of the disc which lies between the two outer and inner flat surfaces- this does rust but it is OK and there isn't much to be done although I have seen people paint it.

Rotors that have zinc or other plating will resist rust for a short time until the rotor heats up with heavy braking such as at the track and then rust will occur. With street driving usually the plating will hold up longer.

I have Zimmerman Cross drilled rotors and the hats always rust. I usually take off the wheels about 3 or 4 times a year and clean up everything with wheel cleaner sprays, liquid metal compound cleaner or if needed I use a little naval jelly on the rust and rinse it off. Usually it stays clean for a month.

Whenever the rust is on the disc itself if you just use the brakes the rust will wear off and that is fine. You can do that anytime, doesn't have to be right after washing your car.

 

As mentioned above, the rust is no problem. It's normal and it would mostly, if not completely, dissappear if you just drove around the block. Its nice when you can just breath I sigh of relief on things like this....

 

Gee, I get that on my rotors too and we don't have rust here in the desert!

 

I paint the hubs and edges of the rotors with high heat paint. Since they are now coated they do not rust. The surface of the rotors, which are bare steel, will always rust when wet but instantly clean up again when scored up with the pads. The painted surfaces (hubs and calipers) are also much easier to maintain since dirt and brake dust to not stick to them as easily now.

This pic is of my new EBC rotor before it's first use. The galvanized coating was still fresh and unscored. Now they are shiny silver.

 

Thanks guys!