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Drum brakes are gradually being replaced by disc brakes, mainly due to their inherent disadvantages in heat dissipation and braking efficiency. Especially during frequent braking or high-speed driving, drum brakes tend to overheat due to their enclosed structure, leading to thermal fade and significantly longer braking distances. In contrast, disc brakes feature an exposed design that allows for rapid heat dissipation and consistent performance, which is particularly crucial in mountainous areas or hot climates. Additionally, the linear feedback and ease of maintenance offered by disc brakes align better with modern driving needs—for example, brake pad replacement doesn’t require removing the entire wheel hub. The widespread adoption of safety technologies like electronic stability systems also relies on the quick response of disc brakes. However, drum brakes haven’t completely disappeared; they’re still used on some commercial vehicles and rear wheels, leveraging their advantages of lower cost and high braking force. In the passenger car segment, though, the shift to front and rear disc brake configurations has become standard. This transition reflects the automotive industry’s ongoing focus on optimizing safety and driving experience. Looking ahead, as material technology advances, brake systems are likely to become even lighter and more intelligent.

If the brake pedal fails, the first thing to do is to remain calm and immediately try to use the engine brake to slow down by gradually downshifting. At the same time, turn on the flashing lights to warn other vehicles and avoid sudden steering that could cause loss of control. If the vehicle is equipped with an electronic handbrake, the electronic handbrake button can be pulled up for emergency braking, but attention should be paid to the force to avoid sudden locking of the rear wheels. For traditional mechanical handbrakes, they can be slowly pulled up, combined with downshifting operation, to gradually stop the vehicle. After reducing the speed, try to move the vehicle to a safe area to avoid obstructing traffic. It is very important to regularly check the brake system during daily driving, including the brake fluid level, brake pad wear, and whether there are leaks in the pipelines. Prevention is better than cure. In addition, understanding the safety assistance functions of vehicles, such as the role of ABS and ESP systems, can better control the vehicle in emergency situations. If driving on long downhill roads frequently, it is recommended to learn how to use low-speed gear to assist braking, reduce the load on the braking system, and extend its service life. When encountering brake failure, do not panic. Reasonably utilizing the existing functions and safety design of the vehicle can effectively reduce the risk of accidents.

4-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS) is a safety tech that uses electronic controls to stop your wheels from locking up completely during hard braking. It uses sensors to monitor each wheel's speed, and when it detects a wheel about to lock, the system rapidly adjusts brake pressure—like dozens of times per second—to keep the wheel in that sweet spot between rolling and sliding. That way, you keep steering control and can shorten stopping distances on slippery roads. Unlike older two-channel ABS systems that only handled the front wheels, 4-wheel independent setups do way more for stability, especially on rainy or gravel roads where they really help prevent fish-tailing. These days, ABS usually works with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), which automatically tweaks the brake pressure split between front and rear axles. The fancier cars even throw in Electronic Stability Control (ESC), which steps in to correct oversteer or understeer. Now, when ABS kicks in, you'll feel the brake pedal vibrate and hear some hydraulic noises—that's totally normal. Just keep your foot firm on the pedal, don't pump it. This system is a big deal in Malaysia's hot, rainy weather, but to keep it working right, make sure you regularly check the wheel speed sensors are clean and the brake fluid is in good shape.

When you hit the brakes, in theory all wheels contribute to stopping, but the actual performance depends on the vehicle's brake system design and setup. Most modern cars use a four-wheel braking system, with hydraulic or electronic controls distributing braking force to the front and rear wheels for smooth deceleration. Regular family cars typically have a front-wheel biased braking setup since the front wheels bear more weight during braking, while high-performance or luxury vehicles might come with more advanced brake force distribution systems—some even have electronic stability programs that dynamically adjust each wheel's braking power to prevent skidding. It's worth noting that some older or economy models may have weaker rear brake force, and vehicles equipped with ABS will automatically adjust each wheel's braking during hard stops to avoid lockups. Additionally, electric and hybrid cars often feature regenerative braking systems, which use the motor to slow the vehicle when you lightly press the brakes, reducing reliance on the mechanical brakes. Understanding these principles can help you use your brakes more effectively in daily driving and pay attention to differences in brake system configurations when shopping for a new car.

The wheel brake assembly is the core component of a car's braking system, mainly used for decelerating or stopping the vehicle. It consists of components such as brake discs, calipers, pads, drums, and shoes. When you press the brake pedal, the hydraulic system transmits pressure to the calipers or shoes, causing them to clamp the brake discs or drums, generating braking force through friction. Disc brakes have good heat dissipation and are mostly used on the front wheels, while drum brakes, with their simple structure and low cost, are commonly found on the rear wheels. In daily driving, pay attention to the wear of the brake pads. Usually, they need to be inspected or replaced every 30,000 to 50,000 kilometers. If you hear a sharp metallic sound or notice that the braking distance has increased, it may be a warning that the brake pads are worn to the limit. The braking system design varies across different models. High-performance cars may be equipped with multi-piston calipers or carbon-ceramic brake discs to improve heat resistance, while economy cars focus more on durability and cost balance. During regular maintenance, it is recommended to check the water content of the brake fluid to avoid brake failure due to reduced boiling point. If braking performance decreases after driving in the rainy season, it may be due to rust on the surface of the brake discs; lightly pressing the brake a few times can restore it.