Your car’s brake system is extremely complex. It consists of a whole series of hydraulic lines, mechanical components, and electronic sensors. However, the overall function is pretty simple: you press the brake pedal and your brake pads slow your car down.
They do so through friction. Behind each of your wheels is a big metal rotor that spins along with the axle whenever your car is in motion. Pressing your brake pedal forces hydraulic fluid to squeeze the brake pads against the spinning rotors.
The resulting friction between the pads and rotors is what stops your car.






