Brakes are the key parts of your vehicle whether a motorcycle or car. Its role is not limited to slowing down or stopping but also safeguarding individuals from accidents. These are important for safety, as well as performance. Whether riding in tight gullies or on a highway, a little difference in the brake performance can make a big difference to keep you safe. With time, the brakes have evolved to improve performance and safety.
A few brake types are wooden block brakes, hydraulic brakes, disc brakes, drum brakes, etc. The use of brakes varies based on the model and specifications of the vehicle. The most popularly used brakes in the current times are disc brakes and drum brakes. Although both have one key function, “to slow down or stop the vehicle”, they achieve it differently. Let’s learn about how disc brakes and drum brakes are different-
Disc Brakes vs Drum Brakes
Disc brakes and drum brakes are the two most common types of braking systems in vehicles. Drum brakes are found in older vehicles, whereas modern vehicles use disc brakes. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Let’s delve deeper into the difference between disc brakes and drum brakes-
Disc Brake
In the current age, the disc brakes are dominating the market. Particularly, these are used in the front wheels. A disc brake has a rotor and caliper. The rotor is attached to the wheel, whereas the calipers house the brake pads and pistons. When the brake pedal is pushed, the calipers squeeze the pads against the rotor to create friction to slow down or stop the vehicle.
Pros of disc brake
- Have more stopping power than other types of brakes. Their consistent braking performance makes them one of the best braking systems.
- Offer better control and modulation to prevent the vehicle from skidding.
- Maintain good performance even on rainy days. The rotor of the disc brake shakes off the dirt and debris from the wheel, thus improving braking performance.
- Lightweight and better cooling than drum brakes.
- Have great responsiveness, thus good for emergency stops.
Cons of disc brake
- High cost of manufacturing and repair, further leading to high maintenance cost.
- Heavier than rim brakes adding more weight to your vehicle.
- Exposed to dirt and debris, thus might wear out faster.
Drum Brake
Unlike the exposed design of disc brakes, the breaking mechanism in drum brakes is enclosed inside a drum that rotates with the wheel. It also uses friction to slow down or stop the vehicle. A set of brake shoes is integrated into the drum brakes that presses outwards against the rotating bowl-shaped part when the brake is pressed.
Pros of drum brake
- Less expensive to manufacture and repair than disc brakes.
- Due to less exposure to dirt and debris, they have a longer lifespan.
- Have a compact design which makes them suitable for economy vehicles.
Cons of drum brake
- Overheat faster as they have less effective heat dissipation than disc brakes.
- Reduced effectiveness and performance in wet weather.
- Less responsive than disc break, thus might not be able to stop the vehicle at the precise time and location.
Which one is better, disk brakes and drum brakes?
Disc brakes and drum brakes have their advantages and disadvantages. One offers high performance and responsiveness. meanwhile, others are durable and cost-effective. The suitability of the type of brake for you depends on your vehicle type, budget, and driving style. The disc brake is on the front wheels, whereas the drum brake is on the rear wheels in the economy cars.
If you prefer high performance and safety, the disc brakes are perfect for you. Otherwise, the drum brakes are a budget-friendly option that delivers dependable performance.
Conclusion
When deciding on a vehicle with disc and drum brakes, you can consider some factors like cost, performance, durability, responsiveness, etc. Disc brakes offer high performance and responsiveness, perfect for those looking for a more safe and precise option. Meanwhile, the drum brakes are durable and cost-effective. Many driving enthusiasts prefer a balanced approach. In this age, modern vehicles utilize both types of brakes to offer a balance in which disc brakes are on the front and drum on the rear wheels.
As it is a matter of your safety, selecting high-quality disc and drum brakes is important. Get yourself disc brakes and drum brakes for your vehicle at JCBL India . Here, we manufacture and supply aftermarket spare parts of automotive that meet international quality standards. Visit our website to check out our products.
FAQ
Can a car have both drum brakes and disc brakes?
Yes, a car can have both drum and disc brakes. The drum brakes are on the rear wheels, whereas the disc brakes are on the front wheels. But, most of the modern vehicles have disc brakes on all, four wheels.
Can I upgrade from drum brakes to disc brakes?
Yes, you can upgrade from drum brakes to disc brakes. however, It is quite an expensive modification as you need to add new components to the vehicle like calipers, rotors, and brake pads.
How often do brakes need replacement?
The brake pads of disc brakes need replacement after 30,000 to 70,000 miles of travel. meanwhile, the drum brake shoes last longer. But their time of replacement depends on your driving style, road conditions, etc.