The Benefits of Having Disc Brakes on Your Vehicle

Disc brakes are relatively new to the automotive industry. Only roughly sixty years old, these brakes are considered by some to be one of the greatest steps in automotive engineering history. And this is not said lightly; disc brakes have proven that, over time, they are far more safe for the average driver than their predecessors, the drum brakes. But what makes these brakes so safe, and why should you want disc brakes on your vehicle? Well, let’s take a look at the disc brakes as a whole.

Disc Brakes: The Basics 

Disc brakes, like drum brakes, use brake fluid. This means that, when you step on your brake pedal, fluid is transferred through a line, from the point of pressure (the brake pedal) to the brake itself. A disc brake is a uniquely styled brake. Before the disc brake, all brakes were created in what are known as “closed” housings. These housings contained shoes that pressed on to the wheel, but were completely enclosed, making heat a major issue, and a dangerous one too. But the disc brake is created from a brake rotor and a brake caliper. These work together to (a) rotate on the wheel, giving maneuverability, vastly improved over the drum brake’s construct and (b) pressure. Overall, the disc brake can exert far more pressure than a drum brake. This means that these types of brakes are much more effective at stopping the vehicle, or slowing it down quickly. Starting to see why these types of brakes are so popular? But there is more!

Disc Brakes: Not too Hot, Not too Cold—Just Right

Disc brakes are, as mentioned above, constructed openly. Whereas the older drum brake was prone to overheating, rendering the brake ineffective in many situations and presenting a larger amount of danger to the driver, the disc brake is able to cool off. With an open construction, air is able to pass through the brake, allowing for better temperature regulation. And what’s more, the friction applied to a wheel through the brake line from the brake fluid, and in to the brake pads on a disc brake is more efficient because of this. Disc brakes have such a small chance of overheating from use that it has become a very rare issue for people to have brake problems beyond the norm. And because of the brake’s construction, drivers are able to dictate exact pressure with their foot—something that lacked in a drum brake. 

Finding a Vehicle With Disc Brakes

Finding a vehicle with disc brakes is actually very easy. These days, most every vehicle that is manufactured has disc brakes. But beware; some lower budget cars still used drum brakes on the rear wheels. This is to decrease cost of production, as well as cost to the consumer. However, when it comes to safety, paying a little extra to ensure that your brakes will always be working is a very important, and practical, thing. The best way to find out if a vehicle you are looking at has disc brakes or drum brakes is by checking online for the specifications. 

The Components of Your Vehicles’ Brakes

The brakes are the most used part of your car. At least, that is, they should be the most used part of your car. Regardless of your driving style, when you need to stop, you need to stop. The brakes allow you to do this, protecting both you and the other drivers on the road. So what are the main functions of your brakes, and how do they work? Let’s find out.

Brake Pads

Brake pads provide the basic function of slowing down and, eventually, stopping you vehicle. A brake pad is a piece of metal with a “pad” on its face, turned in toward the brake rotor. When you hit the brake pedal in your car, the brake pads close in on the rotor, triggered by a brake line. The amount of force applied to the rotor depends on how hard you step on the brake. The harder you press, the more force goes through the brake line, the more abrupt your stop will be. Over time, the pad on the brake wears down. This happens because of the friction caused by braking. When the brake pad wears down too much, the brakes will no longer catch, or will have a hard time doing so. Driving with worn out brake pads can cause damage to the rotor. Luckily, brake pads are regarded as one of the easiest mechanical fixes on your vehicle. This is why the changing of brake pads is one of the first things taught in most high school automotive classes.  

Brake Lights

The brake lights, sometimes known as stomp lights, on your car allow others to see when you are braking. This helps to prevent collisions due to abrupt stops. The brake lights are typically red in color; however, they can be of a variety of hues. Brake lights are hook directly up to your brake pedal. Thus, when you step on the brake pedal in your vehicle, regardless of if you are driving or not, the brake light will come on. Brake lights are to be a pair, thus you won’t see any legal vehicles other than sport bikes without two brake lights. Having damaged or blown out brake lights can be a danger to other drivers on the road. This means it is very important that if your vehicle’s brake lights are broken, they be replaced immediately. 

Brake Repair

If you have reason to believe that the brakes in your vehicle are damaged, you should bring it in for brake repair. In most cases, brake damage is easily diagnosed. Tarnished brake pads and broken brake lines are the most common causes of brake trouble. However, it is not suggested that you try and diagnose the issue yourself. Many brake problems can have similar symptoms, and replacing the wrong part without proper testing can be dangerous. Check the local auto repair shops in your area. Compare their ratings and prices, and then choose the one that seems the best fit for your budget. Even if the problem is seemingly small, like cracked brake lights, it is always better to be safe and sure when it comes to your brakes.