What are the primary types of brake systems in vehicles?

The primary types of brake systems in vehicles are disc brakes and drum brakes. Disc brakes consist of a rotor that spins with the wheel and calipers that apply friction via brake pads to slow down the vehicle. This design allows for efficient heat dissipation, making them effective at maintaining performance during extended use, such as during hard braking.

Drum brakes, on the other hand, have a cylindrical drum that rotates with the wheel, and brake shoes that expand against the inside of the drum to create friction. While less common in modern vehicles for front brakes, drum brakes are often used on the rear wheels of many cars, especially in compact or economical models due to their cost-effectiveness and compact design.

The other options reference various braking technologies or support systems, but they do not capture the primary types of braking mechanisms used in most vehicles. Hydraulic brakes refer to a system that uses fluid to amplify the force applied to the brakes, while electric brakes often refer to systems that are activated electronically, such as regenerative braking found in hybrid and electric vehicles. Air brakes are typically used in heavy-duty vehicles such as trucks, and anti-lock brakes (ABS) are a safety feature that prevents wheel lock-up during braking; however, they don't classify as primary brake system types.