The difference between disc brakes and rim brakes is one of the key points that’s been emphasized in recent years when presenting the technical specifications of a vehicle.
Experts often highlight whether a car uses disc brakes or rim brakes as a strength or weakness. Sometimes, manufacturers even offer the use of disc brakes as a unique, customizable option. But is the difference between disc brakes and rim brakes really that striking?
How much does the type of brake affect the safety of a vehicle? What differences in performance do these two have? In this article, we aim to answer these questions and provide a comprehensive comparison of disc brakes and Rim brakes.
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The Importance of the Brake System in Vehicles
Brakes can be considered the most crucial part of ensuring vehicle safety. A vehicle isn’t safe until it can stop effectively at any speed and under any conditions. For this reason, from the inception of modern cars, brakes have been one of the most essential technical components.
The best brakes for a vehicle are those that can react in the shortest possible time and ultimately stop the vehicle with minimal delay. To achieve this goal, automakers have used various systems in vehicle brakes over the years. Auxiliary systems like ABS and EBD brakes, and of course, disc and Rim brakes. Rim brakes are older examples, and disc brakes are newer ones.
The difference between the two lies in their structure, material, and operation. But even though disc brakes are more modern examples, some automakers, like Renault, still believe in using Rim brakes. These automakers don’t see disc brakes as flawless and Rim brakes as full of defects. The differences between the two continue with the greater complexity and weight of disc brakes.
Operation and Structure of the Rim Brake System
To compare disc brakes with Rim brakes, we first need to understand how each works. Rim brakes include a metal brake Rim that houses the brake assembly for each wheel. Inside this brake Rim, two curved shoes move outward to reduce the rotation speed of the brake Rim, which rotates with the wheel.
This happens when you press the pedal, and the engine oil in the primary and secondary pistons moves, applying pressure to the brake shoes.
These shoes are metallic and have brake pads glued or riveted onto them. To ensure that the brake pads have good resistance against the heat generated by braking, they are usually made of fiberglass or semi-metallic materials for excellent durability. Asbestos was previously used for this purpose. The overall structure of the Rim brake is also made of cast iron.
Operation and Structure of Disc Brakes
In this model, instead of a Rim, a rotating disc is used, and instead of curved shoes, a pair of flat shoes called brake pads are utilized. These pads fit on both sides of the disc and are connected to a cylinder and piston at the back to get into action.
When you press the brake pedal, oil is pushed by hydraulic force through a metal channel to the wheel cylinder, and the piston is compressed outward. As a result, the pads stick to the disc, and braking occurs. Disc brakes are made of ceramic or composite materials. Although metal or plastic is commonly used in different parts of them, the central part, i.e., the brake pad, is made of ceramic.
Differences Between Disc Brakes and Rim Brakes
The next step in comparing disc brakes with Rim brakes is to consider the differences. First and foremost, due to its structure and the creation of better conditions for proper air circulation, disc brakes heat up later.
This point increases the efficiency of disc brakes. However, due to this structure, replacing and repairing disc brakes is harder.
Another significant difference between these two systems is the use of a caliper in disc brakes instead of the shoes present in Rim brakes. Also, the possibility of increasing the number of pistons in disc brakes enhances their efficiency.
For this reason, disc brakes are usually used in front wheels today. The higher efficiency of disc brakes makes them more suitable for front wheels, which bear more pressure in braking. Of course, some vehicles use disc brakes on all four wheels, but today, we usually do not see vehicles with rim brakes on all four wheels.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Rim Brakes
Undoubtedly, Rim brakes have advantages along with their disadvantages, which have still maintained their position in the automotive industry. The advantages of this brake system include the following:
- Easier repairs and replacements
- Lighter weight
- Less space occupation
While we can’t deny the excellent performance of Rim brakes, it must be said that this system has disadvantages that have led to the production of disc brakes. The disadvantages of Rim brakes can be pointed out as follows:
Quick heating and drop in performance in severe and frequent braking
Lack of air circulation in the brake system and, consequently, a higher risk of brake lock
The above-mentioned issues cause a drop in the efficiency of Rim brakes at high speeds, which carries its risks. For this reason, the use of Rim brakes on the front wheels has almost become obsolete.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Disc Brakes
- Disc brakes are more expensive
- They are harder to repair and replace
- They require more careful maintenance
- High repair costs
Disc brakes are considered the best type of brake system and have been used in all types of vehicles to date. However, this system has its specific disadvantages that automakers are trying to eliminate by improving their quality. The disadvantages of disc brakes can be pointed out as follows:
However, disc brakes also have many advantages and are now used in all modern and equipped vehicles. Some of the advantages of this system include:
- Brakes heat up later due to their material
- Possibility of having air circulation among the system components
- Lighter weight due to their material
- Easier and more automatic adjustment
- Easier system check-up
- Ability to shed water from the discs
In general, the most essential and foremost advantage of disc brakes is their faster and more accurate operation. Also, the brakes do not lock due to their structure.
Considering the explanations provided, it can be said that although the defects of Rim brakes have made them unsuitable for use on all four wheels, their combined use along with disc brakes will not have a severe negative impact on standard braking.
Final Words
In this article, we compared disc brakes with Rim brakes and got acquainted with the advantages and disadvantages of each. What type of brake system does your car have? Which type of brake do you prefer?
