What is crucial to check about the brakes during a vehicle inspection?

Ensuring that the brakes are functional and intact is critical during a vehicle inspection for several reasons. The primary function of brakes is to safely slow down or stop a vehicle, making them one of the most essential components for driver and passenger safety. A thorough inspection should include checking for proper brake fluid levels, inspecting the condition of brake pads, rotors, and drums, and ensuring that the brake system operates effectively without any leaks or malfunctions.

If the brakes are not functional or have serious issues, it could lead to catastrophic failures while driving, resulting in accidents. Thus, confirming that the brakes are in good condition is a key part of protecting not only the driver and vehicle occupants but also other road users.