How much do you know about your vehicle’s braking system? Your brakes are one of the most important features on your vehicle, so understanding how it works is not such a bad idea. When you are shopping, researching, or looking for replacement parts for your vehicle, you will come across the terms ‘disc brakes’ and ‘drum brakes.’ Bridgewater area Honda service describes disc and drum brakes.

What are Disc Brakes?
Disc brakes are comprised of a rotor and a caliper, which has two pads on each side. When the brakes are applied, friction and heat are used to slow down the vehicle. The process is achieved by the caliper squeezes over the rotor to slow down the car. When the caliper clamps down on the rotor, the brake pads slow down the rotor, which in turn slows down the car. Your vehicle’s brake fluid is transferred through the system, from the brake pedal to the pads, controlling the actions of the brake pads against the rotor. This is what determines if a car gradually slows down or comes to a complete halt.
What are Drum Brakes?
Drum brakes are exactly what they sound like; a brake drum is attached to the wheel. Inside the drum is a brake shoe. When the brake pedal is engaged, fluid is transferred through the system to the brake shoes. In response, the brake shoe presses against the inside of the drum to slow down the vehicle.
What Kind of Brakes Does My Vehicle Have?
Actually, your car may have a combination of the two. Many passenger vehicles on the road today have a combination of both drum and disc brakes. Disc brakes provide superior braking power, so they are used on the driving wheels. However, some vehicles are equipped with 4-wheel disc brakes. It depends on the manufacturer’s design.
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