The Difference Between Disc Brakes and Drum Brakes
2 Answers
Disc brakes operate by using hydraulic pressure to push the brake caliper, which then controls the friction pads to brake, while drum brakes use levers or cables to control the friction brake shoes. The advantages and disadvantages of disc brakes and drum brakes are compared as follows: 1. Disc Brakes: Advantages: Disc brakes are an external braking system with good ventilation and heat dissipation, providing linear braking and better control. Disadvantages: They cannot achieve the high braking force of the self-locking type found in drum brakes. 2. Drum Brakes: Advantages: Drum brakes are more cost-effective and provide greater braking force, allowing for quick stops, which is why they are commonly used in large trucks. Disadvantages: They have poor heat dissipation, severe heat fade, are unsuitable for high-frequency braking, lack linearity, are difficult to control, and have slower response times.
As someone who frequently works with brakes, I find that disc brakes and drum brakes are quite different. Disc brakes have a simple and clear structure, where the caliper clamps onto the rotor, and they dissipate heat very quickly—even during continuous braking on mountain roads, they don’t overheat. Back when I worked on cars, I often encountered drum brake owners complaining about soft brakes, and upon disassembly, the drums were full of brake dust. Disc brakes are much easier to maintain; you don’t even need to remove the wheel to replace the brake pads. However, drum brakes are cheaper and more durable, which is why many trucks still use them on the rear wheels—after all, hauling heavy loads requires that brute force. Nowadays, most family cars come with disc brakes on the front wheels, and they’re less prone to slipping in rainy conditions.
