What is the difference between disc and ventilated disc?
3 Answers
Ventilated disc and disc mainly have the following differences: 1. Different application positions: Disc brakes are mainly applied to the rear wheels, while ventilated disc brakes can be applied to all four wheels of the vehicle, any wheel is possible. 2. Different structure and material: Ventilated disc brakes have many more process holes than disc brakes, and the quality of ventilated disc brakes is lighter than that of disc brakes, but the manufacturing process and price are more expensive than disc brakes. 3. Different heat dissipation effects: The heat dissipation performance of ventilated disc brakes is stronger than that of disc brakes, because ventilated disc brakes can improve the heat dissipation effect through the holes on the disc, so the service life of ventilated disc brakes is also longer than that of disc brakes.
As someone who frequently discusses car performance, I've found that solid brake discs are a single-piece structure, simple to manufacture and low in cost, but they have poor heat dissipation capabilities. They are prone to thermal fade after frequent use, which affects braking performance. On the other hand, ventilated discs, also known as vented brake discs, feature air ducts and holes in the middle that allow air to flow through quickly, carrying away heat. This significantly improves cooling performance, making them suitable for high-performance or heavy-duty vehicles. During emergency braking, ventilated discs reduce brake pad wear and enhance response speed, making them a standard feature in many sports cars. For daily driving, solid discs are sufficient for urban commuting. However, if you frequently drive on mountain roads or highways, upgrading to ventilated discs is worthwhile to ensure driving safety—after all, reliable braking can help prevent rear-end collisions.
I usually drive a family car and feel that solid discs are traditional, while ventilated discs cleverly incorporate internal air channels. The core difference lies in heat dissipation efficiency: solid discs can overheat during continuous braking, leading to reduced braking power; ventilated discs allow faster air circulation, maintaining stable performance, especially under heavy loads or high-speed conditions. For example, my car originally had solid discs that often made noise, but after switching to ventilated discs, it became much more comfortable. Solid discs are economical and cost-effective for daily use; ventilated discs, though slightly more expensive, extend brake life and reduce maintenance frequency. It's recommended to choose based on driving habits, with safety as the top priority.