Are disc brakes self-adjusting?

Disc brakes are not inherently self-adjusting in the same way that some drum brakes are designed to adjust automatically over time. The correct understanding revolves around the mechanics and functionality of disc brakes.

While it is true that some modern disc brake systems may incorporate features that allow for a certain level of adjustment, such adjustments are typically done through other means such as hydraulic action when the brakes are engaged. Unlike drum brake systems, where shoes can shift and self-adjust as they wear, disc brakes have a more consistent and predictable wear pattern due to their design, which relies on calipers that push the pads against the rotor.

Thus, the notion that disc brakes are self-adjusting is misleading—any adjustment needed for optimal performance and wear compensation is usually done manually during routine maintenance rather than being an automatic process. This leads to the conclusion that the correct answer reflects a misunderstanding of how disc brakes function over time.