Is it safe to drive at high speeds with front disc and rear drum brakes?
2 Answers
Driving at high speeds with front disc and rear drum brakes is safe because the disc brakes on the front wheels can control wheel braking, while the drum brakes support the tire from the inside to prevent braking, making the drum brakes more effective. They can lock the car more tightly, which is better for braking. The brake pads of a car mainly consist of a steel plate bonded with a heat insulation layer and a friction block. The steel plate is rust-proofed through coating, and the heat insulation layer is made of non-heat-conductive materials. Brake pads are the most critical safety components in a car's braking system, and the effectiveness of car braking depends on the quality of the brake pads. During the car's braking process, the brake pads are squeezed and create friction against the brake discs and drums, achieving the goal of decelerating and stopping the car.
I think cars with front disc and rear drum brakes are generally fine for highway driving, as long as you maintain them regularly and drive carefully. I've driven many such cars, and on highways, the strong braking force mainly comes from the front disc brakes. The rear drum brakes have slightly worse heat dissipation, but they're completely adequate for normal driving. The issue arises during continuous long downhill descents or emergency braking, where drum brakes are prone to overheating and fading, leading to uneven braking. So, it's best to slow down in advance and maintain a safe distance. Regular brake pad inspections and cooling system maintenance are crucial to prevent rear brake overheating and loss of control. If the budget allows, upgrading the rear to disc brakes would be more reassuring, but if not, it's not a big deal—most economy cars are designed this way. A friend of mine has driven one for ten years without any issues. The key is understanding your vehicle's characteristics and not trying to imitate those who do drifts.
