When engaged, brake calipers apply pressure to brake pads which clamp onto the rotor creating frictional force to slow the vehicle and provide necessary stopping power.
Drum brakes employ brake shoes which press against an inner surface of a drum when activated to generate friction that slows and stops cars.
While both types serve the same function, each has unique qualities. Disc brakes are well known for their superior heat dissipation capabilities and resistance to brake fade during intense usage.
More responsive wheels allow for shorter stopping distances.
Drum brakes tend to be less costly and simpler in design, which make them popular choices in rear brake systems.
However, these devices can overheat easily under prolonged heavy usage and begin to show signs of degradation over time.
Components of a Brake System
An automobile’s brake system consists of multiple components working seamlessly together.
These components include the brake pedal, master cylinder, brake lines, calipers (in case of disc brakes) or wheel cylinders (for drum brakes).
Pressing the brake pedal activates a master cylinder which then distributes brake fluid throughout its lines.
This fluid applies pressure on the calipers or wheel cylinders, forcing brake pads or shoes into contact with either rotors or drums for successful stopping action.
Friction caused by these materials has the ability to slow the vehicle.
How Brakes Work
An in-depth knowledge of how brakes function is an invaluable asset when driving a vehicle.
When the brake pedal is depressed, kinetic energy is converted to heat energy through frictional losses and converted back into fuel energy for use on the road.
