Do any cars still use drum brakes?
Yes, some cars still use drum brakes, particularly on the rear wheels. While disc brakes have become the industry standard for most vehicles, drum brakes continue to be used in certain applications due to their simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and suitability for certain driving conditions.
Understanding Drum Brakes
Drum brakes are a type of brake system that uses a cylindrical drum that rotates with the wheel. Inside the drum, there are two brake shoes that press outward against the inner surface of the drum when the brakes are applied. This friction slows down the rotation of the wheel, allowing the vehicle to stop.
Drum brakes have been used in vehicles for decades, and they were the predominant brake system before the widespread adoption of disc brakes in the 1960s and 1970s. While disc brakes offer superior braking performance, especially in high-performance and high-speed applications, drum brakes still have their advantages in certain situations.
Where Are Drum Brakes Still Used?
Drum brakes are still commonly found on the rear wheels of many vehicles, particularly in the following situations:
- Lighter Vehicles: Drum brakes are often used on the rear wheels of smaller, lighter vehicles, such as compact cars, subcompacts, and some SUVs. The simpler design and lower cost of drum brakes make them a practical choice for these types of vehicles.
- Towing and Hauling: Drum brakes are well-suited for vehicles that are used for towing or hauling heavy loads, as they can provide consistent and reliable braking performance under heavy loads.
- Off-Road Vehicles: Drum brakes are often used on the rear wheels of off-road vehicles, such as Jeeps and pickup trucks, as they are less susceptible to damage from debris and can withstand the rigors of off-road driving.
- Low-Cost Vehicles: Drum brakes are generally less expensive to manufacture and maintain than disc brakes, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious automakers and consumers.
While drum brakes are still used in some applications, they are becoming less common as more vehicles adopt disc brakes on all four wheels for improved braking performance and safety.
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.
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 vehicles use drum brakes?
This type is mainly used for parking brakes on passenger cars, the center brakes on trucks, and brakes on forklifts.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
