Brake pads are an integral part of your car's stopping power and need to be replaced from time to time in order to ensure your car delivers maximum braking power as designed. Outfitted around the front wheels of your car, each pad is surrounded by a caliper, which squeezes the pad every time you step on the brake pedal, resulting in friction against your tire that causes the car to stop. Necessary components in your braking system, brake pads initially maintain optimal performance, but as time goes on, they begin to wear down. By having your brake pads replaced on occasion, you can avoid excessive wear and extensive repairs caused by worn brake pads in the long run.