A powerful engine makes a car fast, but a properly engineered braking system makes that performance usable. From traditional drum brakes and cast-iron discs to carbon-ceramic rotors, racing pads and regenerative braking, every system has been designed for a particular operating environment. This guide explains the main types of car brakes, brake discs, calipers and brake-pad compounds, including their advantages, disadvantages and correct applications.

From traditional manual gearboxes to lightning-fast dual-clutch transmissions, the gearbox has a major influence on how a car performs and feels. In this guide, we explain the main gearbox types, how they work, their advantages and disadvantages, and why certain systems are better suited to road cars, supercars or motorsport.