Brakes don’t get much attention until something goes wrong. That little squeal, that soft pedal, that’s when people finally start thinking about what’s actually stopping their car. Most of the time, it comes down to two kinds: drum brakes vs disc brakes.
They both do the same job but not the same way. And if you drive in Australia, with its mix of hot highways, steep slopes, and city traffic, knowing the difference can help you pick what works better for you.
What Drum Brakes and Disc Brakes Actually Are?
The older one is the drum brakes. They have a metal drum which turns with the wheel. The brake shoes in the drum push outwards and frictional shoes are produced when pushing buttons. That slows the wheel.
Disc brakes look different. The rotor is a flat disc, and has pads attached to it on each side. Pressing the pedal the disc is squeezed by those pads and the car slows down. That is what the majority of contemporary cars put in the front-wheel.
When saying disc brake or drum brake, people are actually referring to the way that such a friction is created.
How Drum Brakes Work
The design of the drum brakes is closed. The shoes are stored in a metal drum which prevents the entry of dirty and water. Whenever you apply the brakes then you have hydraulic pressure that propels those shoes on the drum wall. It was a more ancient mechanism, but it functions.
Drum brakes are more likely to be on the rear of the small cars as well as older models.
Pros of drum brakes:
- They’re cheaper to make and repair
- Good lifespan if serviced regularly
- Great for parking brakes
Cons:
- Heat builds up quickly
- They lose stopping power when hot
- Not the best choice for fast or heavy driving
How Disc Brakes Work
Disc brakes are more exposed. That means they cool better. The caliper squeezes brake pads against the disc, giving more consistent stopping power.
They’re found on most front wheels now, sometimes all four on newer cars and SUVs.
Advantages of disc brakes over drum brakes:
- Better cooling and quicker recovery
- Strong braking under pressure
- Easier to clean and check
- Work better in rain and steep roads
Disadvantages:
- Higher cost of brake pad replacement
- Exposed to dust, need more cleaning
- Can wear out faster in stop-start traffic
Disc Brake vs Drum Brake on Australian Roads
Australia’s roads aren’t gentle. You’ve got stop-start city runs, hilly regions, and dusty outback tracks. So the choice between disc versus drum brakes depends on where and how you drive.
For city driving, Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, drum brakes at the back do fine. They’re affordable and strong enough for regular use.
But if you drive long distances, tow a trailer, or go off-road, disc brakes are safer. They don’t fade under heat, and they dry faster after rain. That’s why you see them on most modern 4WDs and performance cars across Australia.
Also Read: Common Symptoms of Worn Brake Pads
Drum Brakes vs Disc Brakes: Cost and Maintenance
This is where reality hits. Both systems need care. Brakes wear out. Fluid gets old. Pads thin out.
Disc brakes are easier to check, you can literally see the pad through your wheel. Drum brakes hide everything inside, so mechanics have to open the drum to check.
Here’s what you can expect:
| Type |
Servicing Frequency |
Average Cost (AUD) |
Key Part |
| Drum Brakes |
Every 30,000–50,000 km |
$150–$250 |
Brake shoes |
| Disc Brakes |
Every 20,000–40,000 km |
$250–$500 |
Brake pads and rotors |
Note: Price mentioned here is just a rough estimate. Call us to know the exact cost.
If you hear grinding, squealing, or feel vibration, get it checked. Don’t wait.
Workshops like SAI Auto Care in Perth handle auto brake repair, brake pad replacement, and brake disc replacement Perth wide. We also offer a free car inspection if you’re unsure what’s wrong.
Also Read: How Much Does Brake Pad Replacement Cost In Perth?
When to Get a Brake Specialist Involved
If you’re not sure what kind of brakes your car uses, no shame. Most people don’t know.
What matters is noticing the signs. Look for:
- A squeal when braking
- Pedal feels soft or uneven
- Burning smell after long drives
- Car pulling sideways
- Dashboard brake warning light
These aren’t normal. Go see a brake specialist Perth locals trust. SAI Auto Care is one of the brake shops Perth drivers use for both disc brake and drum brake systems.
We will tell you if you need a brake pad replacement, a car safety check Perth, or a full auto brake service.
Disc Brake Australia: Local Conditions Make a Difference
Australia’s heat, especially in WA, is brutal on brakes. Hot air, stop-start traffic, and dust wear them down faster than you’d think.
That’s where Disc Brake Australia (DBA) components stand out, built for local roads, better ventilation, less fade. Many Perth drivers upgrade to DBA rotors when doing brake repairs or replacements.
If your car pulls while braking or feels shaky, stop by SAI Auto Care. We will check the system, measure pad wear, and run a quick safety test. Sometimes it’s just a minor thing. Sometimes it’s not.
Drum or Disc – Which Should You Choose?
If you are driving a standard small car, drum brakes at the back and disc brakes in front are just fine. It’s the usual setup, affordable and efficient.
If you drive long routes, tow boats, or do steep terrain, go with disc brakes all around. It’s safer.
Whatever you choose, just keep your brakes clean and serviced. That’s what really matters. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t keep driving. Get it checked at a brake repair shop near you or call the best tow truck company around, SAI Auto Care can help with that too.
Final Words
The decision between disc brakes and drum brakes is not difficult after you understand the difference between the two. Both have their place. It is only important to make them look good.
In Perth, have your brakes checked by SAI Auto Care in case you feel your car is off. We will tell you what is wrong, urgent and waitable, no selling and no jargons.
Also Read: How Do I Check Brake Fluid Condition in My Car?
FAQs
1. Are disc brakes really better?
Answer: 1
Mostly yes. Disc brakes handle heat better and give more reliable braking.
2. Why do cars still use drum brakes?
Answer: 2
We’re cheaper, durable, and good for the rear where braking pressure is less.
3. What’s the usual cost of brake pad replacement in Perth?
Answer: 3
It can range between $200 and $500 depending on the car. You can ask SAI Auto Care for an exact quote and a free car inspection.
4. Which lasts longer, disc or drum?
Answer: 4
Drum brakes usually last longer, but disc brakes stop faster and handle better.
5. Can I convert drum brakes to disc brakes?
Answer: 5
Sometimes yes, but it depends on your car. A brake specialist in Perth can check if it’s safe.
6. How often should I do a brake check?
Answer: 6
Every 10,000–15,000 km, or once a year. Many car servicing Perth centres include it in routine maintenance.
7. What if my brakes fail on the road?
Answer: 7
Calm down, safely pull over and call a tow truck Australia company or SAI Auto Care with whom we are partners in towing in Perth.
8. Where do you find good brake shops Perth side?
Answer: 8
SAI Auto Care provides packages of auto brake repair, disc brake replacement Perth, and car safety check Perth. We are among the most perfect car service Perth companies that offer services to both new and old cars.
