Brake Pads vs Brake Shoes (What’s the Difference?)
All mobilization vehicles are equipped with a braking system. They use drum or disc brakes to slow the vehicle down on command.
With disc brakes, the brake pads apply pressure to a rotating disc (rotor) to slow and stop the vehicle. With drum brakes, the braking mechanism relies on brake shoes pressing against a cylindrical rotating part.
When you mention terms like brake pads and brake shoes, people often get confused. Most car owners have heard of brake pads, but never heard of brake shoes.
Is there a difference between the two? Both parts serve a similar purpose, but they are constructed differently. Here, we will explain each of them and see how they differ.
Brake Pads
If your car has a disc brake system, it will surely have brake pads as well. Nearly every new vehicle manufactured today, be it an SUV, a car, or a truck, is equipped with brake pads and disc brakes.
As explained above, the brake pads rub against the brake rotor to create the friction needed to slow and stop the vehicle. The materials used to manufacture brake pads consist of metal, ceramic, or other friction materials on one side.
Advantages
1. Brake pads are ideal for the front axle of a vehicle because they are highly heat resistant. Because of this, brake pads have a longer lifespan than brake shoes.
2. Overall, brake pads slow down the vehicle and stop it better. When driving on wet or snowy roads, the brake pads keep water and the resulting friction away from the discs. This means that the braking system continues to respond properly when you press the brake pedal.
3. Finally, there are different brake pads for different vehicles and driving styles. You can choose the variant that best suits your needs. The best brake pad set with excellent stopping power, quiet, low dust and long life.
Disadvantages
1. Brake pads are more expensive than brake shoes.
2. Some brake pad materials may wear out much faster than others. Check the thickness of your brake pads regularly.
Brake shoes
They are an old-fashioned brake part that has been around since the invention of the automobile.
While disc brakes and brake pads dominate the automotive industry, there are some small cars and trucks that have brake shoes or drum brakes. They are still very durable and have a simpler design. Of course, the process of friction is the same, as the brake shoes rub against the drum brakes to slow down the vehicle.
Advantages
1. It may not be well known, but brake shoes can actually be recycled. If your brake shoes break, the mechanic won’t just throw them away.
2. Because of this, new brake shoes usually cost half the price of new brake pads. So, if you have to replace at least two, you can save a lot of money.
3. Finally, using brake shoes on the rear axle of your vehicle will not allow the brake shoes to get too hot.
Disadvantages
1. Using brake shoes on the front axle will generate too much heat. This means that the brake shoes will wear out faster than if you were using brake pads.
2. Additionally, many new vehicles today only come with disc brakes, and it is becoming harder to find vehicles with drum brakes.