For most truck and bus operators, consumables are the biggest overhead; so anything that keeps those costs down is a bonus.

Replacing fuel and tyres, for example, is an unavoidable expense but the frequency at which this needs to be done can be reduced by better driving and technological improvements. The same goes for brake systems and their component parts.  Helping cut costs on the latest Canter and Rosa models are the disc brakes and twin callipers on all four wheels. Discs provide excellent braking and less fade than drums. While twin callipers means an additional set of pads, when the driver uses them properly they can extend brake life considerably. 

Canter’s brakes are impressive. They look more suited to a high-tech race specification than a workhorse vehicle.  Large, swept surface areas and a ventilation system reduce brake fade by cooling brakes faster, keeping them cooler for longer. A Canter brake drum had 754 cm2 of friction surface, while a disc under the same sized wheel has 980 cm2 – 30% more.  A drum brake, being fully enclosed with no fresh air to help dissipate heat, has poor cooling capacity. A disc, on the other hand, cools quickly: it’s exposed to free-flowing air and its ventilation system pumps more air though the centre of the disc.

Discs have another advantage: you don’t need to adjust the disc pads due to wear.  During braking, the calliper piston and pad are pushed onto the disc face.  When the brake pedal is released the piston and pads are pulled away from the disc face by the piston seal and disc runout, always maintaining a minute clearance.  In contrast the drum brake shoes are pulled back to their original position by the brake shoe springs. This leads to increased clearance between shoe and drum as the shoe wears. Over time the brake shoe begins to wear unevenly, causing increased maintenance costs.

Disc brakes last longer but they can still be abused through careless driving and lack of maintenance. As with any part of your truck, optimum brake performance and safety comes down to proper use and maintenance. This will also help keep costs down!