Disc brake is one of the most widely used types of brakes. Apart from looking fashionable, disc brake also considered very effective to stop the vehicle quickly.
However, some vehicles still use drum brakes. Apparently, there are some things that are missing from disc brakes. So that drum brakes are still an option on some vehicles.
Then what are the advantages and disadvantages of disc brakes?
1. Better cooling brake system
Friction on the brakes, causing heat and heat can cause the braking results to be disturbed.
However, the disc brake has open construction. Thus, the heat generated will be released directly into the air flowing around the brakes.
So that the disc brake temperature is more stable, because when the vehicle is running, brake cooling will always occur.
2. No noise while braking
The noise that appears when braking is caused by the hardening of the brake pads. The brake pad hardens, it could be due to the poor quality of the brake pads and it also be due to the heat factor.
When brake pads are exposed to overheating continuously, it causes the brake pads to harden.
When brake pads harden, it is like a metallic texture. So that when the brake applied, the noise possibly occurs.
3. Easy maintenance
In disc brakes, the components used for braking are called brake pads, while drum brakes are called brake shoes.
Brake pads, are attached to the brake bracket in the open position. While the brake shoes are inside the drum.
So to take care of disc brakes, it's an easier job. For example, when you will replace the brake pads, you only remove one caliper bolt. Then the brake pads can be removed.
While on the drum brake, you need to remove the drum, then to remove the brake shoe you have to use a tool.
4. The braking force will remain constant even when exposed to water
In disc brakes, when the vehicle passes through a puddle, the disc is exposed to water. It will not change the braking force or in other words remain the same. This is because the water on the disc will be thrown out due to the centrifugal force while the disc rotate.
Unlike drum brakes, if the vehicle goes through a puddle and water enters the drum, this will reduce the braking force. because the water that enters the drum will be difficult to get out and consequently will interfere with the braking force.
4. The braking pressure is evenly distributed on all side of the brake pads
Disc brakes do not experience a self energizing effect or additional braking force. Therefore there is no incident where one of the wheels has a greater braking force, thus reducing the risk of the wheel being pulled in one direction, left or right when braking.
The disadvantages Of Disc Brake
Disc brakes also have some disadvantages,
1. Disc brakes are not able to withstand heavy loads
Brake pads have a limited area, so that the rubbing medium is also limited. This results in limited braking power.
Therefore, to produce good braking, a greater braking force is needed.
This is the reason why some high load vehicles such as trucks do not use disc brakes for the braking system.
2. Requires the addition of components to increase the braking force
Because disc brakes require a greater braking force, to ease the burden on the driver when braking, it is necessary to add a brake booster component.
The brake booster serves to increase the braking force so that it will lighten the burden on the driver when pressing the brake pedal.
2.Wheel rims get dirty more easily
Disc brakes make the rims more dusty. That's due to the open disc brake construction. So that the dust from the brake pads will stick to the wheel rims.
To maintain the appearance of the vehicle, the driver must always clean the wheel rims.