What Are The Differences Between Drum Brake vs Disc Brake?

Want to know about the differences between drum brake vs disc brake as well as its pros and cons? This article will show you everything about these types of car brakes.

It is obvious that all cars need brakes because they all need to slow down or stop. Drum brakes and disc brakes are two common types of car brakes in today’s vehicles. While disc brakes are often used in the front wheels, drum brakes, in contrast, are often used in behind wheels. In this article, Philhyundai.com will explain to you about each brake type in detail.

Let's jump straight into the comparison!

1. Drum brake vs disc brake: The ultimate comparison 

The drum brake and disc brake are commonly used in modern car models nowadays. They both have the same features as below:

• Either slow down or stop the vehicle’s movement 
• Use hydraulic fluid to create friction 
• Have pedal side 
• Require forces on the pedal side to turn the brake system on

However, there are differences between drum brake vs disc brake as below: 

 On Hyundai Eon, the brakes were offered with disc at the front and drum at the rear.

2. Drum brake vs disc brake: Pros and Cons 

Car manufacturers tend to mix these two types in the same vehicle due to the positive aspects and drawbacks of each type.

Here are the pros and cons of drum brake vs disc brake:

>>> Also read:

• Keyless Entry System Installation In 5 Steps & Common Problems

3. Drum vs disc brake: FAQs

The brake system in a car is quite complicated. And here are common questions about drum brake and disc brake that we often receive:

#1: What is a drum brake?

Drum brakes in appearance look like a drum and use a big cylinder that is opened at the back. When a force presses the pedal, the curved shoes inside the drum are pushed outwards, creating friction. This friction makes the wheel slow down and then stop.

#2: What is a disc brake?

Disc brakes, sometimes called "disk" brakes, use a flat, disc-shaped metal rotor that fits with the wheel. When the brakes are applied, the caliper forces the brake pads against the disc, slowing down the wheel.

#3: Why do so many cars use drum brakes in the rear? 

By installing disc brakes to the front wheels and drum brakes to the rear wheels, automakers can provide much of the advantages of disc brakes while reducing costs because drum brakes are cheaper to produce than disc brakes. Then again, a four-wheel disc brake car can still offer superior braking efficiency in wet weather and long devaluations.

#4: How to know if my car has a disc brake or drum brake? 

If your car has been made in the last thirty years, it most likely has disc brakes on the front wheels, and drum brakes on the back. If you are able to see any or all of the brake assembly, you can define the brake system of your vehicle by looking at its form and structure. While disc brakes are flat (like a disk) and installed a bit inside the surface of the wheel, drum brakes have the drum look.

#5: What is the difference between drum brake vs disc brake?

The features that can help to differentiate drum brake vs disc brake are heat-resistance and water-resistant ability. Disc brakes have better heat - resistance than drum brake, therefore it can keep its function working for a longer time than drum brake. The working mechanism of disc brakes also helps to kick water out of the device while the drum design of drum brakes tends to store water within.  

4. Conclusion

We hope this article has helped you understand the difference between drum brake vs disc brake, as well as the pros and cons. Parts for your brakes are now easy to access and there are plenty of ways to upgrade. However, there is a minor difference between their working mechanisms so that drivers should have various maintenance ways to keep your vehicle working smoothly with brake systems.

>>> Stay update with Hyundai Stories for more helpful car reviews and maintenance tips!