Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Brakes Certification Practice Exam 2025 – Comprehensive All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

The purpose of brake pads in a disc braking system is to create friction against the rotor. When the driver presses the brake pedal, the caliper squeezes the brake pads against the spinning rotor, which is attached to the wheel. This friction is what ultimately slows down or stops the vehicle. The material of the brake pads is specifically designed to provide optimal friction while also being able to withstand high temperatures generated during braking. This heat resistance is crucial to maintain braking efficiency and prevent brake fade.

In this context, the other options do not fulfill the function of brake pads. Connecting components such as the wheel hub to the rotor involves different parts of the braking assembly, and the caliper also serves a distinct role in applying pressure to the brake pads rather than housing them. Additionally, absorbing brake fluid is not a function of the brake pads themselves but rather pertains to the braking system's hydraulic components.