GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Test brakes on a roadway that meets the following conditions:

    • Dry
    • Clean
    • Reasonably smooth
    • Level

Do not test the brakes on a roadway with any of the following conditions because the tires will not grip the road equally:

    • Wet
    • Greasy
    • Covered with loose dirt

Do not test the brakes on a crowned roadway. A crowned roadway will throw the weight of the vehicle toward the wheels on one side.

Do not test the brakes on a rough roadway, which will cause the wheels to bounce.

Test the brakes at different vehicle speeds, with both light and heavy pedal pressure. Locked brakes and sliding tires do not indicate brake efficiency, since heavily braked but turning wheels will stop a vehicle in less distance than will locked wheels.

Because of a higher deceleration capability, a firmer pedal may be felt at higher deceleration rates.