• A COMMON MISCONCEPTION ABOUT BRAKES IS THAT BRAKES SQUEEZE 
AGAINST A DRUM OR DISC, AND THE PRESSURE OF THE SQUEEZING ACTION 
SLOWS THE VEHICLE DOWN. THIS IS IN FACT A PART OF THE REASON FOR 
SLOWING DOWN A VEHICLE. 

• ACTUALLY BRAKES USE FRICTION OF BRAKE SHOES AND DRUMS TO CONVERT 
KINETIC ENERGY DEVELOPED BY THE VEHICLE INTO HEAT ENERGY. 

• WHEN WE APPLY BRAKES, THE PADS OR SHOES THAT PRESS AGAINST THE BRAKE 
DRUMS OR ROTOR CONVERT KINETIC ENERGY INTO THERMAL ENERGY VIA FRICTION. 

• THUS BRAKES ARE ESSENTIALLY A MECHANISM TO CHANGE ENERGY 
TYPES