Drum vs Disc Brakes: Key Differences

When you press down on your vehicle's brake pedal, you expect it to come to a safe stop. Yet, while braking systems are one of the vehicle components that drivers tend to take for granted, many are surprised to learn that there's more than one type.

Two of the most common are drum and disc brakes, and each has its fair share of pros and cons. In this post, we'll further discuss these two popular brake options to help you determine which type is best for your needs. Read on to learn more or contact your local GreatWater-affiliated garage today for more information.

How Drum and Disc Brakes Work

One of the biggest differences between drum and disc brakes is in how they work.

As the name implies, drum brakes use a drum and shoes for stopping. Specifically, the brake shoes press against the inside of a rotating drum to create friction and slow the vehicle. The drum brake is an example of an early and less advanced type of braking system, but it can still be found on many types of vehicles, notably older vehicles or those that are small or medium-sized.

Conversely, disc brakes work with rotors and brake pads. When the brake pedal is pressed, fluid is pushed to the caliper, which causes the brake pad to press against a rotating disc to create friction and bring the vehicle to a stop. Most modern-day vehicles are equipped with disc brakes for several reasons, including better stopping power, good heat dissipation, and easier maintenance.

Performance: Which One Stops Better?

Disc brakes and drum brakes both work differently, so it shouldn't surprise you to learn that there are some stark differences between the two options. One of the biggest differences is stopping performance.

Simply put, disc brakes are the better option for stopping performance and are known for shorter stopping distances and better overall handling, even at higher speeds. One of the key factors that helps with better overall braking performance is heat dissipation, which provides a major assist during prolonged braking situations or when braking at high speeds.

Drum brakes tend to have less stopping power and are also less effective at higher speeds. However, drum brakes are still suitable for everyday driving situations.

Durability and Maintenance Needs

One of the biggest advantages of disc brakes is that they're much easier to maintain. While brake pads tend to wear down faster than shoes in drum brakes, vehicles with disc brakes are very easy to inspect to properly assess when repairs or replacement are necessary. And when repairs or replacements are necessary, they tend to be routine and convenient.

Drum brakes typically last longer than disc brakes, largely due to their enclosed design that better helps protect braking components from dirt or debris. However, while drum brakes may not require maintenance as frequently as disc brakes, when they do, the process can be very tedious.

Cost Comparison: Upfront vs. Long-Term Expenses

When it comes to any vehicle component — let alone the braking system — a key factor that many drivers consider is cost. So what's the more cost-effective option between drum brakes and disc brakes?

It's a tricky question to answer. Disc brakes tend to cost more to manufacture than drum brakes, which leads to higher upfront costs. Additionally, disc brakes tend to require more regular maintenance and replacement than drum brakes, which can also result in higher long-term costs.

However, there are a few important things to note about drum brakes and cost. While cheaper upfront and requiring less maintenance over time, maintenance on drum brakes also tends to be more labor-intensive, which can result in higher costs. This is because the brake components are held inside the drum, which can make disassembly more time-consuming.

Which Vehicles Use Drum vs. Disc Brakes?

The type of vehicle you drive will likely also dictate whether you have disc brakes or drum brakes stopping it.

For example, disc brakes are found on most modern-day vehicles due to their better overall performance and shorter stopping distances. They also tend to be found on high-performance vehicles, on heavy-duty vehicles where more braking force is needed, and on high-end and luxury vehicles.

Drum brakes tend to be found more on light vehicles that may not require significant stopping force. In some cases, they're also paired with disc brakes on vehicles, with drum brakes on the rear wheels and disc brakes on the front wheels. This brake setup is common on light and medium-sized vehicles and can help with effective braking, while making vehicles more cost-effective.

Which Brake Type Is Right for You?

Noting all the information that we've presented in this post, what brake type is best for you?

The answer depends on several factors, such as the type of vehicle you drive, your budget, and what you're looking for in braking performance. In some cases, you might have both drum and disc brakes installed on your vehicle.

Here's a look at when disc brakes might be the best option:

• If you want premium braking performance
• If you drive a high-performance, heavy-duty, or high-performance vehicle
• If you want better overall handling while braking

Drum brakes may be the better option when:

• You want to save money throughout your vehicle ownership
• You drive a small or medium-sized vehicle that may not require premium stopping performance
• You want to go further between brake service intervals
• You have disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear wheels

Contact GreatWater Today

For more information on the key differences between the automotive industry's two most popular brakes — drum and disc — contact your neighborhood GreatWater-affiliated shop today. As a network of full-service auto centers, there's no job that our technicians can't handle, brakes included. Contact your local affiliated garage today for more information and to schedule an appointment.