Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview

PROPER SURFACE
Test brakes on a dry, clean, reasonably smooth and level roadway. A true braking test cannot be made if the roadway is wet, greasy or covered with loose dirt so that all tires do not grip the road equally. Testing is also adversely affected if the roadway is crowned, which would throw the weight of the vehicle toward the wheels on one side, or if the roadway is so rough the wheels tend to bounce.

USE DIFFERENT PRESSURE
Test the brakes at different vehicle speeds, with both light and heavy brake pedal pressure. If the vehicle is not equipped with an Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), avoid locking the brakes and sliding the tires. Locked brakes and sliding tires do not indicate brake efficiency, since heavily braked but turning wheels will stop a vehicle in less distance than locked wheels.