Do any cars still use drum brakes?
Drum brakes may seem like a relic of the past, especially with the widespread adoption of disc brakes in modern vehicles. However, they are still in use today, and for good reason. In this article, we’ll explore why drum brakes remain relevant, which vehicles still use them, and the advantages they offer in specific applications.
Why Are Drum Brakes Still Used?
While disc brakes dominate the automotive industry due to their superior stopping power and heat dissipation, drum brakes continue to be used in certain scenarios. Here are the main reasons:
- Cost-Effectiveness: Drum brakes are cheaper to manufacture and maintain compared to disc brakes, making them an attractive option for budget-friendly vehicles.
- Parking Brake Integration: Drum brakes are often used in rear-wheel applications because they can easily incorporate a parking brake mechanism, simplifying the design and reducing costs.
- Durability in Low-Stress Applications: For vehicles that don’t require high-performance braking, such as economy cars or light-duty trucks, drum brakes provide sufficient stopping power and longevity.
Which Cars Still Use Drum Brakes?
Drum brakes are commonly found on the rear wheels of many modern vehicles, particularly in the following categories:
- Economy Cars: Many entry-level sedans and hatchbacks use drum brakes on the rear wheels to keep costs down. Examples include models from brands like Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai.
- Light-Duty Trucks: Some pickup trucks and vans, especially those designed for light-duty use, still feature drum brakes on the rear axle.
- Hybrid and Electric Vehicles: Surprisingly, some hybrid and electric vehicles use rear drum brakes. This is because regenerative braking systems handle much of the braking load, reducing the need for high-performance rear brakes.
Advantages of Drum Brakes
Despite their older design, drum brakes offer several advantages that keep them relevant in specific applications:
- Lower Maintenance Costs: Drum brakes tend to last longer than disc brakes in low-stress environments, reducing the frequency of replacements.
- Better Performance in Certain Conditions: Drum brakes are less prone to corrosion and can perform better in environments with dirt, mud, or water.
- Integrated Parking Brake: As mentioned earlier, the parking brake mechanism is simpler and more cost-effective when integrated into a drum brake system.
Conclusion
While disc brakes are the standard for most modern vehicles, drum brakes still have their place in the automotive world. They are a cost-effective and durable solution for rear-wheel braking in economy cars, light-duty trucks, and even some hybrid and electric vehicles. As automotive technology continues to evolve, drum brakes may eventually be phased out, but for now, they remain a practical choice in specific applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the last year for drum brakes?
In the 80s nearly every car had rear drum brakes, that phased out in the early 90s or so. Only the very cheapest cars had drums past that timeframe.
Do any vehicles still use drum brakes?
The drum brake has been around pretty much since cars were invented, and they continue to be used (albeit not as much) because they're cheaper to produce than disc brakes. This is partly because there are fewer compionents involved in a drum brake, and the parking brake can be located inside the drum.
Which cars still have hand brakes?
NEW MODELS WITH A HANDBRAKE
- Abarth: 595, 695.
- Audi: A1 Sportback.
- Citroen: C3, C3 Aircross, Ami.
- Dacia: Duster, Sandero.
- Fiat: 500, 500C, Tipo Cross, Panda, Panda Cross.
- Ford: Puma, New Puma ST, Mustang, Tourneo Custom.
- Hyundai: i10, i20, i20N, i30N, Bayon, i20N line.
- Jeep: Wrangler.
What was the last car with drum brakes?
Now practically all cars use disc brakes on the front wheels, and many use disc brakes on all four wheels. In the United States, the Jeep CJ-5 (manufactured by AM General) was the final automobile (produced for the United States Postal Service) to use front drum brakes when it was phased out in 1986.
Why does Toyota still use drum brakes?
Fans of other trucks point and laugh. However, there are a few good reasons why Tacomas have drums: Cost: Drum brakes are cheaper to manufacture than disc brakes, and Toyota passes the savings along to its customers. On the Tacoma (and most unloaded pickups), the front brakes do 70%-80% of the braking.
What are the disadvantages of drum brakes?
Cons. Overheating – One of the biggest downsides to drum brakes is their tendency to overheat quickly in conditions where a driver has to brake frequently. This occurs because the components are housed within the metal drum with limited air circulation.
Which vehicles use drum brakes?
This type is mainly used for parking brakes on passenger cars, the center brakes on trucks, and brakes on forklifts.
What is a disadvantage of a drum brake?
Cons. Overheating – One of the biggest downsides to drum brakes is their tendency to overheat quickly in conditions where a driver has to brake frequently. This occurs because the components are housed within the metal drum with limited air circulation.
Why are drum brakes not used anymore?
Drum brakes are less efficient than disk brakes and harder to service. Drum brakes will also overheat and fade more quickly than disk brakes, increasing your stopping distance.
Which is better, disc or drum brake?
Disc brakes are generally considered better than drum brakes due to their superior performance, shorter stopping distances, and improved heat dissipation. However, the choice between drum and disc brakes depends on factors such as vehicle type, driving conditions, and budget.
