What is a critical aspect checked regarding the vehicle's brakes during the inspection?

The critical aspect checked during a vehicle inspection concerning the brakes is their effectiveness and whether there are any system leaks. Brake effectiveness ensures that the vehicle can stop safely within a reasonable distance, which is vital for road safety. Inspectors assess the condition of the brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid to verify that they work correctly and efficiently.

System leaks are also a significant concern because any leak in the brake fluid can lead to decreased braking performance or a complete brake failure, posing a severe risk to the driver and others on the road. Thus, ensuring that the braking system is both effective and free from leaks is fundamental to passing an inspection and ensuring the vehicle’s safety.

While aspects like brake color, brand, age of brake pads, and the presence of the ABS system may provide some information about the brakes, they do not directly assess the critical performance and safety factors that an inspection prioritizes.