The majority of cars made today use a disc-braking system for the front brakes. The reason for this is because they are better than drum brakes and the front wheels are vital to stopping a vehicle. The brakes on the front do most of the work and the rear brakes are more or less of a “backup” set of brakes.

Here is how disk brakes work:

The brake pedal – When you step on the brake pedal in your car, a piston forces hydraulic fluid into the tubes of the braking system for each wheel.

The calipers – When the fluid is released, the pistons in each caliper pushes the brake pads against the rotors.

The pads – When pressed against the rotors, the brake pads create friction that eventually stops the wheels and the vehicle. The material used to make the brake pads is designed to withstand the heat of the friction.

The Advantages of Disc Brakes
Because of their design, disc brakes aren’t as prone to locking up as drum brakes are.

Disc brakes are more open, allowing them to cool off more efficiently than drum brakes.

Disc brakes are more resistant to water.

Disc brakes are self-adjusting, meaning they still function normally as the pads wear down.