What is the proper method to inspect the parking brake on a vehicle?

To effectively inspect the parking brake on a vehicle, the method involving placing the vehicle in gear and accelerating slightly with the parking brake engaged is key to evaluating its functionality. This approach allows the inspector to determine whether the parking brake can hold the vehicle in place under a load, which simulates real-world conditions where the brake must perform while the vehicle is potentially being forced to move.

Engaging the parking brake while the vehicle is in gear and trying to accelerate creates tension and forces that reveal how well the brake engages. If the vehicle does not slip or start to move, it indicates that the parking brake is functioning properly. This operational check is essential because parking brakes are primarily designed to hold the vehicle stationary, especially on inclines or during stops.

Other methods, such as just engaging the parking brake in park or testing it only on a flat surface, do not provide a comprehensive evaluation of the brake's effectiveness under dynamic conditions. Checking the parking brake while driving is unsafe and not a standard procedure, as it could lead to loss of control of the vehicle. Thus, engaging the parking brake under operating conditions is the most valid inspection technique.