Would a modern car with drum brakes all-around still have a chance?

[Isaac Zachary]

Drum brakes stop vehicles. So do disk brakes. As long as my vehicle has one or the other or both, I don't really care.

If I ever took up lap racing I'd probably want disk brakes.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by Piotrsko

Bluebirds had the option for 4 discs, but I have never seen one equipped that way possibly because they wont be equipped with automatic chains. Heaven forbid you have to stop and hang iron in the snow.

What would prevent automatic chains to be used in a vehicle with disc brakes? I never used snow chains anyway

[Piotrsko]

Auto chains are spun on a disk driven by the sidewall of the tire so typically they rotate stretched out the width of the duallies, maybe if they get tangled up under the tire. They also might be an aftermarket add on not approved by bluebird. I do know you had better install your regular dually chains tight otherwise they take out fender struts.
If you are careful and drive sane, they are mostly adequate for light duty snow operation or they help on icy streets, somewhat....

[j-c-c]

Originally Posted by JSH

Nobody is talking about the first application except for you. Continually use of brakes will overheat them and cause them to fail. This is not uncommon - if it was we would not have runaway truck ramps all over this country and others.

You are correct. I am not talking about stupid drivers that overuse their brakes and require runaway truck ramps, because you can't fix stupid.
I guess the fact we still have runaway truck ramps has proven technology has not overcome driver stupidity?

BTW, drums expanding from HT does not reduce braking force by itself on properly adjusted brakes, and it's a factor not worth mentioning in this discussion.

What I believe is not of great importance here vs what is fact and logically proven.

[JSH]

Originally Posted by j-c-c

You are correct. I am not talking about stupid drivers that overuse their brakes and require runaway truck ramps, because you can't fix stupid.
I guess the fact we still have runaway truck ramps has proven technology has not overcome driver stupidity?

BTW, drums expanding from HT does not reduce braking force by itself on properly adjusted brakes, and it's a factor not worth mentioning in this discussion.

What I believe is not of great importance here vs what is fact and logically proven.

Unfortunately manufacturers have to plan for stupid people and misuse of their products.

If you recall about a decade ago Toyota paid out $1.2 billion in a settlement for "unintended acceleration". There was nothing wrong with the cars - people just put in aftermarket floor mats that could catch on the accelerator pedal. Then people freaked out and didn't brake hard to a stop or shift into neutral. Completely driver error but Toyota still had to pay out more than a billion to make it go away.

[Isaac Zachary]

Originally Posted by JSH

Unfortunately manufacturers have to plan for stupid people and misuse of their products.

If you recall about a decade ago Toyota paid out $1.2 billion in a settlement for "unintended acceleration". There was nothing wrong with the cars - people just put in aftermarket floor mats that could catch on the accelerator pedal. Then people freaked out and didn't brake hard to a stop or shift into neutral. Completely driver error but Toyota still had to pay out more than a billion to make it go away.

Hence why autopilot may some day become mandatory in all vehicles (once the bugs are worked out of course).

[Piotrsko]

The moment autopilot becomes mandatory many lawsuits will be filed against its use

[Isaac Zachary]

Originally Posted by Piotrsko

The moment autopilot becomes mandatory many lawsuits will be filed against its use

Did that also happen to airbags, seatbelts and the like?

[j-c-c]

Yes, but not at the "moment", ask Toyota about airbags.

[j-c-c]

Originally Posted by JSH

Unfortunately manufacturers have to plan for stupid people and misuse of their products.

....... Toyota still had to pay out more than a billion to make it go away.

That was the plan?
Regardless your point is well taken.
BTW, I bought my wife a new Audi just weeks before the 60 Minute TV special on the Audi issue. I certainly didn't get any gold stars for that.