What is the difference between disc brakes and drum brakes?
2 Answers
Differences between disc brakes and drum brakes: 1. Different braking methods: Disc brakes use brake pads to clamp onto the brake disc for braking; Drum brakes use hydraulic pressure to push brake shoes to inhibit tire rotation for braking. 2. Different components: Disc brakes consist of hydraulic control, brake discs, wheel cylinders, and brake calipers; Drum brakes consist of brake backing plates, wheel cylinders, and brake shoes. Disc brakes are also called hydraulic brakes or oil brakes, where heat accumulation can cause thermal fade, leading to faster heat dissipation. Sometimes, the brakes may emit a squealing noise, with a large contact area. Drum brakes can utilize the forward rotation of the wheel to increase braking force, and many high-displacement motorcycles use disc brakes on both the front and rear.
As someone who drives frequently, I find a huge difference between disc brakes and drum brakes. Disc brakes have a simple structure, just like two plates clamping a friction pad - easy to understand at a glance. They dissipate heat extremely fast and respond quickly during braking, especially maintaining stable braking performance during continuous downhill driving on mountain roads without that burnt smell. Drum brakes are more like a sealed cylinder that creates resistance by pressing internal shoes, costing less and not getting directly wet in rain. However, they dissipate heat slowly and are prone to overheating or even losing accuracy during prolonged braking. Personally, I prefer disc brakes as I find them more reliable in emergencies, they boost driving confidence a bit, and it's easier to check the pads when replacing them yourself.
