Which of the following best describes brake linings?

Brake linings are crucial components that create the friction necessary to stop a vehicle. When the brake pedal is engaged, the brake linings come into contact with the brake drum or disc. This contact generates friction, which converts the kinetic energy of the moving vehicle into thermal energy, thus slowing down and ultimately stopping the vehicle.

The effectiveness of the brake linings directly impacts the braking performance; materials used for linings are designed to withstand high temperatures and wear while providing the optimal level of friction. This process is vital for vehicle safety and performance, making the correct choice about brake linings essential to understanding how braking systems function.

The other options address different aspects of the brake system. For example, airflow regulation is not a function of the brake linings, but rather associated with the brake chamber's design in air brake systems. Similarly, preventing overheating is more related to the design and materials of the entire braking system, including cooling mechanisms, rather than the linings themselves. Finally, brake linings do not involve hydraulic fluid housing, which pertains to hydraulic brake systems where the fluid facilitates brake actuation.