During a pre-trip inspection, how should you check your vehicle's brake system?

The brake system is one of the most critical components of a vehicle, especially for commercial vehicles. During a pre-trip inspection, checking the brakes helps ensure the safety of both the driver and other road users. The correct action is to test the brakes and verify that they respond smoothly. This includes checking the brake pedal for firmness, testing for any unusual noises, and ensuring that the vehicle stops effectively without pulling to one side. A smooth response indicates that the brakes are functioning properly and are free from issues that could lead to a loss of control while driving.

Monitoring the brake system is essential regardless of previous inspections or whether any issues were reported before. Just ignoring the brakes because of a clean history can lead to dangerous situations if latent problems develop. Checking merely the lights does not encompass the full scope of safe vehicle operation, as functional brakes are crucial for safety and compliance with road regulations. Additionally, refraining from testing the brakes due to concerns about damage is misguided, as regular checks can prevent more significant issues and ensure the long-term reliability of the vehicle.