Brakes slow vehicles down by converting their kinetic energy into thermal energy through friction between brake pads and discs or drums. When the brake pedal is pressed, it activates the master cylinder and vacuum booster which increase pressure to the front disc brakes and rear drum brakes, causing the brake pads or shoes to squeeze the spinning discs or drums and generate heat and friction to slow the vehicle's movement down. Most passenger vehicles have front disc brakes and rear drum brakes connected to the single brake pedal via the master cylinder and booster to efficiently stop the vehicle.