Brake calipers are essential components of a vehicle's braking system. They house the brake pads and use hydraulic pressure to squeeze the pads against the brake rotors, creating friction that slows down or stops the vehicle. There are two main types of brake calipers: floating and fixed. Floating calipers move slightly to apply pressure evenly, while fixed calipers have pistons on both sides and provide more consistent braking performance. Proper maintenance of brake calipers is crucial for safe driving and effective braking.