Have you ever wondered how cars manage to stop with such precision? The secret lies in the brake disc , an invention that revolutionized automotive safety. Although common today, its origins involve ingenuity, war and speed.

From carts to the first mechanical brakes

In the beginning, braking meant pressing wooden blocks against the wheels. These systems were inefficient , dangerous, and easily overheated. On long descents, they often simply stopped working.

Yet for a long time they were the only means available for stopping moving vehicles.
As cars got faster, the need for something better became clear. The evolution of speed required a revolution in braking — and it was coming soon.

The first idea: a concept ahead of its time

In 1902, Frederick Lanchester created a primitive disc brake model. But the materials of the time were not helpful: they were noisy, expensive and impractical. In addition, tire and suspension technology was not yet up to the task.

The industry wasn’t ready to embrace it yet, and its creation was forgotten for decades. But its idea planted the seed for a safer future on the roads.

From aviation to the roads

During World War II, disc brakes proved their worth in aircraft. After the war, their efficiency in short landings attracted attention. Heavy aircraft landed accurately, even on wet or short runways.

Technology soon migrated to sports cars, which required high performance and control. It was the beginning of the transition from the skies to the asphalt.

A legend is born: the car that popularized records

In 1953, the Jaguar C-Type won Le Mans using disc brakes. The victory showed the world its superiority over drum brakes. Cornering performance and resistance to overheating were decisive.

From then on, discs began to gain space on the streets. The race accelerated the interest of car manufacturers and changed braking standards forever.

From luxury to routine: the record becomes a global standard

Over time, disc brakes have evolved with ventilated steel and ceramic. Today, they are standard on almost all cars, at least on the front wheels. The use of lighter and more resistant materials has increased efficiency.
They are allies of technologies such as ABS, ensuring safety in modern traffic. Braking with precision is no longer a luxury; it has become an obligation — for the good of all.