Brakes should be tested on a dry, clean, reasonably smooth and level roadway. A true test of brake performance 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 will also be 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.

Test the brakes at different vehicle speeds with both light and heavy brake pedal pressure. More tire-to-road friction is present with a heavily braked turning tire than with a sliding tire.

The brake system is designed and balanced to achieve the shortest stopping distance and best control without brake lock-up. Because of high deceleration capability, a firmer brake pedal may be felt at higher deceleration levels.