What is the purpose of brake pads in a vehicle?

The purpose of brake pads in a vehicle is to create friction against the brake rotor. When the driver presses the brake pedal, hydraulic pressure clamps the brake pads against the spinning rotors. This friction generated between the pads and the rotors is critical for slowing down or stopping the vehicle. The effectiveness and material composition of the brake pads play a significant role in the overall braking performance, affecting stopping distance, heat dissipation, and noise levels.

Brake pads are essential components of a disc braking system, which is commonly found in modern vehicles. While fuel economy, vehicle speed stabilization, and suspension support are important aspects of vehicle performance, they do not pertain to the fundamental function of brake pads in the braking system. The primary role of brake pads is to ensure safe and efficient braking through friction.