Brake Pad

Brake pad converts the kinetic energy of the car to thermal energy by friction. Two brake pads are contained in the caliper with their friction surfaces facing the brake rotor. When the brake is hydraulically applied, the caliper clamps or squeezes the two pads together into the spinning rotor to slow/stop the vehicle. When a brake pad is heated by contact with a rotor, it transfers small amounts of friction material to the brake disc. The brake pad and disc then "stick" to each other, providing the friction that stops the vehicle.