Beyond Dawlish

The primary difference between disc brakes and drum brakes lies in their design and functioning. Disc brakes use a flat, rotatable disc attached to the wheel, which is clamped by brake pads to create friction and slow down the vehicle. In contrast, drum brakes consist of a cylindrical drum that houses brake shoes, which press outward against the drum's inner surface to slow the wheel. Generally, disc brakes offer better performance, heat dissipation, and reliability, especially in high-speed or heavy-duty applications, while drum brakes are often found in older or less performance-oriented vehicles. When considering brake service, it's important to understand these differences, as they can affect maintenance needs and replacement parts.