Latest Q&A

Yes, front-wheel drive (FWD) cars, like all modern passenger vehicles, come with four brakes—one for each wheel. This setup is crucial for safety and meets international standards. Typically, FWD systems use dual-piston calipers up front and single-piston ones in the rear. Why? Because the front wheels handle most of the braking force—around 70%—especially since weight shifts forward when you slow down. To dig a bit deeper: whether it's FWD, RWD, or AWD, brake systems work on the same basic principles. But high-performance models often step things up with larger rotors or multi-piston calipers to boost cooling and stopping power. For everyday driving, keeping an eye on brake pad thickness and brake fluid condition is a must. If you notice longer stopping distances or weird noises, get it checked out ASAP—safety first. And let's not forget, many premium cars now come with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BAS), which smartly tweak braking performance for better results.

There are four main types of braking systems commonly found in cars: disc brakes, drum brakes, electronic parking brakes, and regenerative braking systems. Disc brakes slow the vehicle by having brake calipers clamp down on brake discs. They offer excellent heat dissipation and are typically used on front wheels or in high-performance cars. Drum brakes, on the other hand, use brake shoes that expand outward to rub against the brake drum. They're cheaper to produce and are often found on rear wheels or in economy cars. Electronic parking brakes use a button to control a motor for parking, making them easy to operate and space-saving, gradually replacing traditional manual handbrakes. Regenerative braking is a key technology in hybrid and electric vehicles, as it can convert the kinetic energy generated during braking into electricity for storage. Most vehicles today use a mix of these braking types; for example, the front-disc-rear-drum setup balances performance and cost. In daily driving, it's important to check the thickness of your brake pads. If you hear a metallic scraping noise or notice reduced braking power, you should replace the brake pads or brake fluid promptly. Brake discs tend to rust easily in the rainy season, but gently pressing the brakes a few times during initial driving can remove the rust and ensure driving safety.

When your car's brakes fail, the first thing to do is stay calm. Quickly flip on your hazard lights to warn other vehicles, then try pumping the brake pedal rapidly—this might restore some braking power. If you're driving a manual, downshift gradually to use engine braking; for automatics, switch to manual mode or a lower gear. Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel to maintain control, avoiding sharp turns that could cause a skid. If needed, use the handbrake to help slow down, but don't yank it all the way to prevent fishtailing. Once speed drops, look for a safe spot to pull over. Regular maintenance is key: check brake fluid levels and condition routinely, replace brake pads when they wear below 3mm, and get immediate repairs if the pedal feels soft or has extra travel—air in the lines or fluid leaks can disable the system. On long downhill mountain roads, use lower gears to control speed and reduce brake fade from overheating. After driving in the rain, tap the brakes lightly to clear water film and boost stopping power. Most importantly, develop good predictive driving habits to cut down on sudden braking needs.

A car's rear brake system, commonly referred to as the "rear wheel braking system," mainly includes two types: drum brakes and disc brakes. Drum brakes have a simple structure and lower cost, commonly found on the rear wheels of economy models. They slow the vehicle by brake shoes expanding outward to friction against the brake drum. Disc brakes, on the other hand, use brake calipers to clamp the brake disc, offering better heat dissipation and braking efficiency, and are mostly used on the rear wheels of mid-to-high-end models or high-performance vehicles. Modern vehicles typically use different front and rear brake combinations based on front and rear axle load distribution and braking force requirements. For example, disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear, or all-disc brakes on all four wheels. Some high-performance cars are also equipped with ventilated discs or slotted/drilled discs to enhance heat dissipation. In addition, the Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) system dynamically adjusts the front-to-rear braking force ratio to ensure vehicle stability during hard braking. Systems like ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and ESC (Electronic Stability Control) also work in conjunction with the rear brakes to improve safety on slippery roads. In daily driving, rear brakes usually wear less than front brakes, but regularly checking brake pad thickness and brake fluid condition remains a necessary maintenance item. This is especially important when driving in mountainous areas or in scenarios with frequent braking, where paying attention to the rear brake performance is crucial.

Cars come with four braking systems mainly to boost stopping power and safety. Modern vehicles typically have independent brake setups at each wheel, whether disc or drum brakes. This design ensures braking force is evenly distributed, reducing the risk of losing control from one-sided braking—especially crucial when driving at high speeds or making emergency stops, where four-wheel braking shortens stopping distances and keeps the vehicle stable. Plus, four-wheel brake systems are a must for meeting modern safety standards; features like Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) rely on independent control of each wheel to work their best. Some high-performance cars even upgrade to multi-piston calipers or ventilated disc brakes, which enhance heat dissipation and resistance to fade, perfect for spirited driving or long downhill stretches. For everyday driving, regularly checking brake pad thickness and brake fluid condition is key to keeping your braking system in top shape.

4WD and 2WD each have their own advantages, and the specific choice depends on the usage needs. 4WD (four-wheel drive) is suitable for drivers who frequently drive on rugged mountain roads, muddy roads, or rainforest areas. It can provide better grip and off-road performance, especially during the rainy season or off-road, but it has higher fuel consumption and higher purchase costs. 2WD (two wheel drive) is divided into front wheel drive and rear wheel drive. Front wheel drive is more fuel-efficient and easy to handle in ordinary roads and city driving, suitable for daily commuting. Rear wheel drive has a more balanced power distribution, suitable for people who enjoy driving pleasure. If driving in the city for most of the time, 2WD is sufficient and cost-effective, while 4WD is more practical for outdoor adventures or encountering complex road conditions. In addition, the 4WD system is also available in full-time, part-time, and on-demand modes. Full time 4WD is suitable for all-weather use, while on-demand 4WD can automatically switch when needed, balancing fuel economy and performance. It is recommended to choose based on actual road conditions and driving habits, while considering maintenance costs and long-term usage needs.

In most modern vehicles, each wheel is equipped with a braking system to ensure stability and safety. Passenger cars typically feature a four-wheel braking setup, meaning both front and rear wheels have brake components. Front wheels usually use disc brakes, while rear brakes might be either disc or drum-based, depending on the model and its positioning. High-performance or luxury vehicles often come standard with four-wheel disc brakes to enhance stopping power, while economy cars may opt for more cost-effective drum brakes on the rear—though these still fully meet daily driving needs. Notably, the widespread adoption of Electronic Parking Brakes (EPB) and Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) has made modern brake technology more intelligent; for instance, some models use electric motors to independently control braking force at each wheel to prevent skidding. Additionally, new energy vehicles typically include regenerative braking systems, with braking logic slightly different from traditional fuel-powered cars. The motor provides auxiliary deceleration through regenerative braking, but mechanical brakes remain the final safety net. Maintaining the braking system is also crucial—regularly check brake pad thickness and brake fluid condition. In humid climates, if you notice increased stopping distances, gently applying the brakes can help remove water film from the brake discs.

The application of disc brake technology in automobiles can be traced back to the 1950s, when some high-end models began experimenting with front-wheel disc brake designs to improve braking performance. For example, the 1953 Chrysler Imperial was equipped with front-wheel disc brakes, and the 1955 Citroën DS even became the first mass-produced car to feature disc brakes on all four wheels. However, it wasn't until the late 1960s that disc brakes gradually became more common on mainstream models. Compared to traditional drum brakes, disc brakes offer advantages such as faster heat dissipation, higher braking efficiency, and less susceptibility to performance fade under high temperatures. They maintain more stable braking performance, especially in wet weather conditions, which is particularly important for areas frequently hit by heavy rain. With technological advancements, the vast majority of vehicles now come standard with four-wheel disc brakes, and even many economy models feature front-disc and rear-drum setups or all-disc brake configurations. High-performance models often go a step further with upgraded versions like ventilated discs and ceramic composite discs to meet the demands of aggressive driving. Additionally, the integration of electronic assist systems such as ABS and EBD has significantly enhanced the safety and controllability of modern disc brake systems.

All-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles, like any passenger car, come standard with four-wheel brakes—each wheel gets its own independent braking setup, including rotors, calipers, and pads, so every tire can slow down or stop on its own. The AWD system’s thing is power distribution, but the brake system design is basically the same as two-wheel drive cars. The main differences might be in electronic aids, like ABS, EBD, or brake tuning for off-road modes. These systems tweak brake force distribution based on the drive type, especially helpful for stability on wet or tricky roads. It’s worth noting some high-performance or luxury AWD models might have fancier brake tech—ceramic rotors or multi-piston calipers—but that’s not directly tied to the drive system; it’s more of a performance upgrade choice. For daily driving, regularly checking brake fluid levels, pad thickness, and rotor condition is key. No matter the drive type, keeping your brakes in good shape is what keeps you safe out there.

The cost to replace all four brake pads typically ranges from RM200 to RM1500, depending on the car model, brand, and material choice. For regular family cars, original equipment manufacturer (OEM) brake pad sets usually cost around RM200 to RM400, while ceramic/composite brake pads for high-performance or luxury vehicles can go up to RM800 to RM1500. Brake pads are wear-and-tear items and generally need inspection and replacement every 30,000 to 50,000 kilometers. Signs that replacement is needed include a metallic scraping sound or increased braking distance. When choosing brake pads, compatibility is key—OEM parts ensure optimal braking performance and fit, while aftermarket parts, though cheaper, require verification of quality certifications. It’s not advisable to opt for low-quality products to save money, as this compromises driving safety. Additionally, installation labor costs around RM50 to RM100. It’s recommended to have technicians check the brake system thickness during regular maintenance; planning for replacement in advance can avoid costly emergency repairs.