Surprising Facts about Your Car’s Braking System

Did you know that many passenger vehicles have braking systems composed of two types of braking systems? They're called disc brakes and drum brakes: They are different in design and operation. In the United States, disc brakes are found at all four wheels in American-manufactured passenger vehicles but while drum brakes are in the rear of the vehicle. At Croce's Transmission Specialists in Norwalk, Connecticut, our ASE-certified team are experts at brake repair. Learn some surprising facts about the vehicle's braking system.

Disc Brakes

Disc brakes were patented in 1902 but it took many years for its design to become available in vehicles. Jaguar designed disc brakes for a race car in 1953 and it triumphed over other cars using drum brakes. Since then, disc brakes became standard for most vehicles. When a vehicle's disc brakes are worn, a vehicle may have trouble stopping, or the vehicle may shake or vibrate. If your vehicle has worn brakes, don't ignore getting brake repair since braking problems can be dangerous, as well as become more costly due to further wear.

Drum Brakes

Drum brake systems were released in 1900 and patented two years later by engineer Louis Renault. At first, drum brakes were mechanical and required levers to operate. However, by the 1930s drum brakes used hydraulic pressure. When a vehicle has worn drum brakes, it can cause vibrations upon stepping on the brake pedal or a loose-feeling parking brake.

Disc brakes vs drum brakes

Car manufacturers prefer the disc braking system over the drum braking system because they have more stopping power, they're self-cleaning, they manage heat better, and perform better in wet conditions. Drum brakes need to be cleaned, they get hot with repeated use, and they have the tendency to trap moisture.

Brake repair is essential for a smooth drive

Keep your vehicle as safe as possible by getting brake repair services at a local trusted quality auto repair shop. Our expert technicians at Croce's Transmission Specialists in Norwalk, Connecticut, perform quick and thorough brake checks in order to provide quality brake repair service to ensure your braking system is working in excellent condition. Give us a call today at 203-349-2481 and schedule your brake repair service.