A brake caliper is a crucial component of a vehicle's braking system. It houses the brake pads and is responsible for applying pressure to them when the brakes are engaged. This pressure creates friction against the brake rotor, slowing down or stopping the vehicle. Typically made of metal, brake calipers can be either fixed or floating. Fixed calipers have pistons on both sides of the rotor, while floating calipers have a single piston that moves the caliper itself. Proper functioning of the brake caliper is essential for safe driving and effective braking performance.