(R)EVOLUTION - The disc brake, a pillar of active safety

The disc brake, a pillar of active safety

From the 1970s onwards, one technical feature gradually became standard on most vehicles: the disc brake. More effective and reliable than the drum systems that had long dominated, within a few decades it became the standard in automotive safety. Its principle is simple but extremely effective: a metal disc attached to the wheel is clamped by pads when the brakes are applied, converting kinetic energy into heat and slowing the vehicle down with remarkable efficiency.

Engineers quickly set about perfecting this system. Ventilated discs were introduced to improve heat dissipation and prevent loss of efficiency during repeated braking. Perforated discs, designed for sports use, provide even faster cooling and reduce the risk of deformation. Each development reflects a constant desire to increase braking power while ensuring flawless reliability.

Competition played a major role in this progress. In 1985, the first carbon discs appeared on racing cars, offering exceptional resistance to extreme temperatures and significant weight savings. Quickly adopted in motor racing, this innovation illustrated the disc brake’s ability to constantly evolve towards greater performance, before inspiring adaptations for high-end production vehicles.

Today, the modern disc brake is an essential component of active safety. Found on almost all vehicles, it has become an integral part of the driving experience, ensuring powerful, stable and predictable braking in all conditions. It has also paved the way for even more sophisticated systems, such as ABS and ESP, which rely on its precision to function effectively.

Did you know? The first disc brake was invented in 1902 by British engineer Frederick William Lanchester, a visionary whose idea would only achieve full success several decades later. This long journey reminds us that in the automotive industry, some innovations take time to catch on, but ultimately transform our habits and enhance our safety in the long term.