1. Simplicity and reliability: Drum brakes are relatively simple in design, consisting of a brake drum attached to the wheel hub, brake shoes that press against the inner surface of the drum, and a mechanism to actuate the shoes. This simplicity makes drum brakes reliable and easy to maintain.
2. Holding power: Drum brakes provide excellent holding power, which is essential for parking brakes. When the parking brake is engaged, the brake shoes are forced against the drum, creating friction that prevents the wheel from turning. Drum brakes have a self-servo action, which means that the force applied by the brake shoes increases as the brake pedal is depressed, providing even greater holding power.
3. Cost-effectiveness: Drum brakes are generally less expensive than disc brakes, making them a more affordable option for parking brakes.
4. Compact size: Drum brakes are more compact than disc brakes, which can be an advantage in vehicles where space is limited, such as small cars or motorcycles.
5. Resistance to water and contaminants: Drum brakes are less affected by water and contaminants such as mud and dirt, which can reduce the effectiveness of disc brakes. This makes them a good choice for vehicles that are frequently used in wet or dirty conditions.
Overall, drum brakes offer a combination of simplicity, reliability, holding power, cost-effectiveness, compact size, and resistance to water and contaminants, making them well-suited for use as parking brakes.
