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

The braking system is one of the most crucial parts of any vehicle, allowing you to stop your vehicle safely and smoothly. Modern vehicles generally use one of two popular brake system setups, disc brakes and drum brakes. Despite both serving the same purpose, the systems differ in quite a few ways. Having an understanding of the brake setup your vehicle employs can help you make educated maintenance decisions and keep your brake system operating at its best.

In this article, we’ll cover how both of these brake systems operate, how they differ from each other, and why your vehicle may have one rather than the other.

Drum Brakes

Drum brakes were more commonly seen on automobiles prior to the 70s, as disc brakes saw widespread adoption from manufacturers around this point. However, due to cost constraints and the fact that the front brakes take the brunt of the braking duties, it was very common to see vehicles using disc brakes in the front and drum brakes in the rear following this time period.

Drum brakes operate similarly to disc brakes, pushing abrasive brake shoes against the drum to produce friction. The major difference between the two systems is that drum brakes are enclosed within the drum, allowing heat to accumulate internally and eventually leading to brake fade and reduced stopping power.

Disc Brakes

Disc brake systems are the most common type of brake assembly in modern vehicles. They rely on hydraulic pressure to force an abrasive brake pad onto a large metal disc, also known as the rotor, to create friction and slow the vehicle down.

Disc brakes carry a number of benefits over their drum brake counterparts, including superior stopping power as well as improved heat dissipation. The exposed rotor surface allows heat to dissipate into the surroundings, which helps to prevent brake fade and keep them working efficiently even in high stress conditions. 

The only true downside of the exposed design of disc brakes is that it also exposes the components to outside elements, which may allow corrosion and wear that causes issues when braking. 

Brake System Services in Peoria, Illinois

If you’re in need of brake system maintenance, or suspect it has an issue that needs diagnosis, don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at Beachlers Tire & Automotive Center in Peoria, Illinois. Our technicians have extensive experience in providing high-quality brake system maintenance, service, and repair on a wide range of vehicles, no matter if it uses disc or drum brakes. 

Give us a call or schedule online today to secure your appointment with Peoria’s premier brake service facility.