The function of a brake caliper is to ________.

The function of a brake caliper is to push the brake pads against the rotor. This action is crucial for the braking process because when the brake pedal is pressed, hydraulic pressure forces the caliper to move. The movement of the caliper enables the brake pads to clamp down on the spinning rotor, creating the friction necessary to slow down or stop the vehicle.

The effectiveness of a vehicle's braking system relies heavily on this interaction, as the pressure applied by the caliper directly influences the amount of friction between the pads and the rotor. Thus, the hydraulic mechanism within the caliper not only initiates this clamping action but also ensures that the pads maintain the required force against the rotor to achieve effective braking performance.