How is brake performance evaluated in an inspection?

Brakes must respond promptly without excessive fading is the correct answer because it addresses essential safety criteria for evaluating brake performance during an inspection. Effective brakes are crucial for safe vehicle operation, and they should engage quickly when the brake pedal is pressed. This response ensures that the vehicle can stop promptly in various driving conditions, which is vital for preventing accidents.

Additionally, the inspection looks for the phenomenon of "brake fading," which occurs when brakes overheat and lose their effectiveness. This can happen due to prolonged or excessive use, particularly in steep conditions. Therefore, an evaluation must include how well the brakes maintain their stopping power throughout varying driving scenarios.

While functionality like brake lights and the condition of tires are important for overall vehicle safety, they do not directly assess the performance of the braking system itself regarding stopping capability. Testing brakes only in a driving test can overlook other critical inspection aspects, such as inspecting brake components and fluid, which are necessary for thorough safety evaluations.