Announce Banner

We have exciting news! River City Tire & Automotive is now part of the GreatWater 360 Auto Care family! This means we can offer our customers even more than before; with upgrades in training, technology, and equipment that allows us to service your vehicle better, and a new 3 Year/36k Mile Nationwide Warranty. Most importantly, you’ll find the same friendly faces and top-notch service you’ve come to know and trust!

Drum Brakes vs Disc Brakes: Which One is Better for Your Vehicle?


When it comes to stopping your vehicle, the brakes play a vital role in ensuring your safety on the road. Drum brakes and disc brakes are two types of braking systems that work differently but serve the same purpose. Let's discuss the differences between the two.

Drum Brakes

Drum brakes, also known as drum brake systems, were once the standard for most cars. They consist of a drum-shaped housing, brake shoes, and a hydraulic wheel cylinder. When the driver applies the brakes, the hydraulic fluid flows to the wheel cylinder, pushing the brake shoes against the inside of the drum, which slows down the wheel.
The main advantage of drum brakes is their affordability. They're simpler to produce and require less maintenance than disc brakes. However, they're also less effective at dissipating heat, which can lead to brake fade during prolonged braking.

Disc Brakes

Disc brakes are a more modern type of braking system and are now more commonly used than drum brakes. They consist of a disc-shaped rotor, brake caliper, and brake pads. When the driver applies the brakes, the brake caliper squeezes the brake pads against the rotor, creating friction and slowing down the wheel.
One of the main advantages of disc brakes is their ability to dissipate heat. The rotor's design allows it to cool down more efficiently, reducing the risk of brake fade. Disc brakes also provide better stopping power, making them a better choice for high-performance vehicles.

Which One is Better?

There's no definitive answer to which one is better between drum brakes and disc brakes. It depends on your vehicle's make and model, your driving style, and your budget. If you're looking for an affordable, low-maintenance option, drum brakes might be a good choice. However, if you want better stopping power and are willing to invest in higher-quality brakes, disc brakes are the way to go.


At River City Tire & Automotive, we can help you determine which type of brake system is best for your vehicle and provide you with professional brake installation and maintenance services. We welcome you to give us a call or visit today.

312 E 35th St Davenport, IA 52806 (563) 386-2700
River City Tire & Automotive is committed to ensuring effective communication and digital accessibility to all users. We are continually improving the user experience for everyone, and apply the relevant accessibility standards to achieve these goals. We welcome your feedback. Please call River City Tire & Automotive (563) 386-2700 if you have any issues in accessing any area of our website.