Brakes utlize friction to slow vehicle tires. Drum brakes employ a cast iron drum that roates with the vehicle axle. When hydraulic pressure is applied to the brake assemblies at the wheels, internal pistons expand and push brake shoes outward into contact with the brake drum slowing the rotation of the axle. More powerful disc brakes operate by pinching a rotating disc betweeen two brake pads and allow for a larger surface area to contact the disc, provide more force, and are more easily cooled.

The purpose of an automobile engine's cooling system is to circulate coolant around the engine so it can absorb and dissipate heat. The water pump pumps coolant through the various components in the system and the radiator cools down coolant after it has heated up after passing through the engine. The thermostat controls the flow of coolant based on engine temperature while the cooling fan draws air through the radiator when the car isn't moving fast enough for unforced air to cool things down on its own.

An automotive battery produces direct current for use by automotive systems.

The main computer or powertrain control module (PCM) uses pre-programmed software to analyze the input received from sensors and produce output signals to adjust vehicle performance and operation. (Engine control unit (ECU) is another name for the PCM.)

Suspension springs are made with wide gap coils of rigid steel cable and both hold the vehicle chassis up off the ground and absorb energy from wheel movement making for a smoother ride.