What should you check regarding the emergency brake system?

The emergency brake system is a critical safety feature in any vehicle, and ensuring it engages and releases properly is paramount for safe operation. This means that when you activate the emergency brake, it should reliably and effectively prevent the vehicle from moving. Conversely, when you release it, the brake should disengage smoothly, allowing the vehicle to operate normally. If the emergency brake fails to engage when needed, it can lead to serious accidents, especially on inclines or during unexpected stops.

While checking the warning light, rust, or tension are important maintenance aspects, they do not directly assess the fundamental operational functionality of the emergency brake system in real-time situations. Engaging and releasing properly directly impacts the effectiveness and reliability of the emergency brake, which is the most critical aspect during a pre-trip inspection.