Which brake system is typically installed on the front wheels of a vehicle?

Disc brakes are typically installed on the front wheels of a vehicle due to their superior performance in terms of heat dissipation and stopping power. The design of disc brakes, which includes a circular metal disc (rotor) that is clamped by brake pads when hydraulic pressure is applied, allows for more effective cooling compared to drum brakes. This is particularly important at the front wheels, as they handle a greater share of braking force and generate more heat during braking, especially in situations requiring rapid stops or sustained braking, such as during declines or in heavy traffic.

In contrast, drum brakes, while effective and still used in some applications (often on rear wheels), tend to retain heat more than disc brakes, which can lead to brake fade under heavy use. Electromagnetic brakes are not commonly used in standard vehicles but are more often seen in specific applications like trains or certain industrial machines. Air brakes are primarily used in larger vehicles such as trucks and buses where increased braking force is necessary. These factors collectively justify the widespread use of disc brakes on the front wheels of most vehicles.