Brakes are one of the most important safety systems in your car and understanding how they work can help you take better care of your vehicle. Disc brakes and drum brakes work differently to stop your vehicle. Disc brakes use brake pads that clamp onto a rotor to slow the wheel, offering stronger and more consistent braking power. Drum brakes use brake shoes that press against the inside of a drum, providing more affordable but less efficient braking, typically found on rear wheels.
We often get questions like:
- Which is better: disc brakes or drum brakes?
- Do I need to replace both?
- How do I know if my brakes need service?
Here’s a simple breakdown to help you understand the difference between the two and which type of brake system might be on your car.
WHAT ARE DISC BRAKES?
Disc brakes are the most common type of braking system found on modern cars, trucks, and SUVs- especially on the front wheels.
They work using:
- A brake rotor (disc) attached to the wheel
- A caliper that holds the brake pads
- Brake fluid that pushes the caliper when you press the brake pedal
When you step on the brake pedal, the caliper squeezes the brake pads against the spinning rotor. The friction slows the wheel down, bringing your vehicle to a smooth stop.
Benefits of Disc Brakes:
- Excellent stopping power, even at high speeds
- Better performance in rain and snow
- Faster heat dissipation to prevent brake fade
- Easier maintenance and inspections
Because of their performance and reliability, many vehicles now have disc brakes on all four wheels.
WHAT ARE DRUM BRAKES?
Drum brakes are typically found on the rear wheels of many cars and light trucks. They’re an older design but still effective for vehicles that don’t require as much rear-wheel braking force.
Drum brakes include:
- A brake drum that spins with the wheel
- Brake shoes that press outward against the inside of the drum
- Wheel cylinders that push the shoes outward when braking
When you hit the brakes, the shoes press against the inside of the drum, creating friction to slow down your vehicle.
Benefits of Drum Brakes:
- Lower cost to manufacture and repair
- Longer lifespan under light braking conditions
- Built-in parking brake design
- Good performance for rear-wheel applications
SIGNS YOU MAY NEED BRAKE SERVICE
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to have your brakes checked:
- Squeaking or grinding noises when braking
- A vibration or pulsing brake pedal
- Car pulling to one side when braking
- A soft or spongy brake pedal
- Dashboard brake warning light
Your brakes are critical to your safety- don’t wait until they fail. Regular brake inspections can prevent costly repairs and keep you safe on the road.
Does your vehicle need disc or drum brakes? We can help! We can help Lou's Car Care & Fleet Services has been proudly serving Baldwinsville, NY, and surrounding communities since 1976. Call us or schedule your next appointment online today!
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