Brake Band
Brake bands are composed of friction material that presses against the brake disc to create friction and slow a vehicle. Friction materials, like those used in brake bands, are used to increase friction in order to decrease movement. Brake systems use friction materials to stop wheels from rotating. When a brake is pressed, it activates a system that places the friction material in the brake band against a disc that slows the wheels of the vehicle.
Brake bands are usually called brake pads. The material used to make brake bands must be capable of enduring the high temperatures created by friction forces. Although asbestos was frequently used in the past, ceramic materials are now the most common material used for brake pads. Most all vehicles use brakes, including automobiles, trains, motorcycles, and even bicycles.
Like all brake systems, brake bands need to be changed from time to time. When brake lining is worn out and needs to be replaced, a warning is sounded when braking. This sound, used to warn drivers that the brake bands need to be replaced, usually consists of an unpleasant high-pitched squeal caused by a strip of metal. If this noise is ignored for too long, braking components can be damaged.