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.