A caliper brake is a type of braking system commonly used in vehicles, bicycles, and motorcycles. It consists of a caliper that houses one or more pistons, which press brake pads against a rotating disc or rotor to create friction. This friction slows down or stops the vehicle when the brake pedal is applied. Caliper brakes can be found in two main types: disc brakes and drum brakes. Disc brakes are more common in modern vehicles due to their superior performance and heat dissipation. In contrast, drum brakes are often used in older models and some rear-wheel applications.