What occurs during the applied position in the braking system?

During the applied position in the braking system, pressure increases throughout the system. This is essential for the effective operation of the brakes, as it ensures that the brake pads or shoes are pressed firmly against the brake rotor or drum, creating the necessary friction to slow down or stop the vehicle.

When the brake pedal is pressed, the master cylinder generates hydraulic pressure that travels through the brake lines to the individual brake components. This increase in pressure activates the calipers in disc brakes or the brake shoes in drum brakes, ensuring that braking action is effectively applied. The hydraulic systems in brake design rely on this pressure boost to operate efficiently, making it a critical factor in vehicle safety and performance during braking events.

In the context of other options, while brake fluid does indeed experience some level of expansion with temperature changes, it does not directly describe the function occurring in the applied position. The retraction of calipers and the release of brake shoes are associated with the brake release position rather than when the brakes are actively engaged. Therefore, the increase in pressure is the key feature of what happens during the braking system's applied position.