Brake disc plate; Brake pads are among the most crucial of the crucial components that are considered normal wear items, since they create the friction that helps stop your car when they are pressed against the brake disc (also called the brake rotor) or, on some cars, the brake drum that rotates with the wheel. It is in every driver's interests—not to mention the interests of their passengers and fellow motorists—that their brake pads always function properly and that they are replaced before they lose effectiveness