What is the difference between hydraulic brakes and disc brakes?
3 Answers
Hydraulic brakes and disc brakes mainly have the following differences: 1. Different transmission methods: Disc brakes are a broad category that includes cable brakes and hydraulic brakes; hydraulic brakes are a braking control system that uses hydraulic pressure for braking and transmission. 2. Disc brakes are divided into mechanical disc brakes and hydraulic disc brakes: mechanical disc brakes are cable brakes; hydraulic brakes are hydraulic disc brakes or hydraulic disc brakes. 3. Mechanical disc brakes use ordinary brake cables inside the brake lines, while hydraulic brakes use brake fluid inside the lines. Hydraulic brakes offer significantly better feel and performance compared to mechanical ones, but they require regular fluid changes based on usage conditions.
I remember when I first started driving, I was particularly curious about the differences in braking systems. Drum brakes (oil brakes) were mainly common in older cars, where internal brake shoes are hydraulically driven to rub against the drum wall for braking. They offer strong braking force but poor heat dissipation, making them prone to softening and failure during prolonged summer drives. Disc brakes, on the other hand, use calipers to clamp onto the brake disc, providing quick heat dissipation and responsive braking, with less likelihood of slipping on wet roads. Although more expensive, most new cars now use them. The daily driving experience differs significantly—disc brakes make braking smoother and safer, especially during emergency stops. After changing brakes a few times, I found disc brakes easier to maintain, requiring only brake pad replacements. Overall, disc brakes offer greater advantages, and I recommend choosing them if your budget allows.
Having driven for over a decade, I have personal experience with both types of brakes. Drum brakes (oil brakes) have a simple structure, using hydraulic pressure to push the brake shoes for stopping. They are cost-effective and suitable for low-end cars or rear wheels, but the biggest issue is poor heat dissipation. After prolonged downhill driving or a few hard stops, severe heat fade occurs, requiring the system to cool down. Disc brakes (rotor brakes) feature a more advanced design with excellent heat dissipation from the brake discs, effectively draining water in rainy conditions to reduce loss of control. They offer rapid and linear braking response, significantly improving handling feel. The downside is slightly higher cost. My old car had them replaced before—disc brake parts are more expensive but last longer, making them more worry-free overall. Driving safety comes first, and I feel much more at ease after upgrading to disc brakes.
