Disc vs. Drum Brakes: What’s The Difference?

The vast majority of vehicles on the road generally use one of two types of braking systems: disc brakes or drum brakes. While both of these setups are responsible for safely slowing down the vehicle, and even operate quite similarly, there are still some major differences between the two most popular brake system setups that you should know. 

In this article, we’ll go over the major differences between disc and drum brake systems, the pros and cons of each, and how having either system can affect the driving and maintenance of your vehicle. 

Disc Brakes

Over the past few decades, disc brakes have become the premier choice in brake setups for most vehicles. Disc brakes operate on a pretty simple principle, as abrasive brake pads are pressed down onto large metal discs, known as rotors, using hydraulic pressure to create the necessary friction to slow down the vehicle. 

Disc brakes bring a number of benefits over the older drum design, as the exposed setup allows for heat to more efficiently dissipate into the surrounding air, keeping the brakes from overheating and becoming glazed. 

While disc brakes have generally proved superior, it’s common to still see drum brakes used specifically on the front brakes used in tandem with rear disc brakes. This setup provides a good balance between superior braking performance of disc brakes and the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of drum brakes. 

Drum Brakes

Drum brakes are an older design for brakes, and vehicles with drum brakes on all four wheels are more commonly seen on vehicles produced before the 90s. Rather than using an exposed disc to create friction, drum brakes instead have internal “shoes”, similar to brake pads, that are pressed down on the inside of the drum rather than the surface of the disc.

With drum brakes being self-contained, it allows for heat to build up faster within the drum and prevents heat from dissipating as effectively as disc brakes, which can lead to brake fade or glazing if the brake setup becomes overheated as a result of sudden or aggressive braking. 

Drum brakes also tend to be more durable as a result of their simpler design and protection from inclement weather conditions, making them preferable for heavy-duty applications where longevity and maintenance costs are more important to just braking performance.

Brake System Service & Repair in Carlsbad

Whether your vehicle uses drum brakes, disc brakes, or both, the experienced technicians at Carlsbad Auto Service in Carlsbad, California have the equipment and training needed to provide your vehicle with unmatched quality of maintenance and repair work. Give us a call or schedule online today to secure your appointment with Carlsbad’s premier brake service and repair facility.