How brake pads work

The working principle of brake pads is mainly to convert the kinetic energy of the vehicle into heat energy through friction, thereby achieving the deceleration or stopping of the vehicle. When the driver steps on the brake pedal, the high-pressure brake fluid is activated, pushing the piston in the caliper to move, so that the brake pads are tightly pressed against the brake disc (or brake drum). In this process, friction between the brake pads and the brake disc is generated, converting the kinetic energy of the vehicle into heat energy, thereby effectively slowing down the vehicle. The generation of this friction depends not only on the material and design of the brake pads, but also on the effective operation of the entire hydraulic system to ensure that the driver can control the braking force through the pedal.

In addition, different types of brake systems (such as drum and disc) have different specific structures, but the basic principle is the same, which is to use the friction between the brake pad and the braking surface to achieve braking. For example, in disc brakes, the brake caliper clamps the brake disc coaxial with the wheel through hydraulic action, while in drum brakes, the stationary brake pad contacts the brake drum that rotates with the wheel internally, generating the necessary friction to stop the vehicle from rotating.