What is a caliper on a car?

A caliper on a car is a device that is used to measure the distance between two opposite sides of an object. In the context of an automobile, calipers are typically used to measure the thickness of the brake pads on the car's brake system. This is important for ensuring that the brake pads are not worn down too much and need to be replaced to maintain safe braking performance.

There are two main types of calipers used in the automotive industry: digital calipers and dial calipers. Digital calipers are more precise and easier to read, while dial calipers are more traditional and rely on a mechanical dial for measurement.

Calipers are typically made of stainless steel or carbon fiber and have jaws that can be adjusted to fit around the object being measured. They often have a locking mechanism to hold the jaws in place while the measurement is being taken.

Overall, calipers play an important role in ensuring the safety and performance of a car's braking system by allowing mechanics to accurately measure the thickness of brake pads and identify when they need to be replaced.