Texas State Inspection Practice

What must the parking brake demonstrate?

1. It must activate with minimal effort

2. It holds the vehicle stationary on an incline

3. It must engage within three seconds

4. It can be replaced with a manual transmission

The correct answer is: It holds the vehicle stationary on an incline

The parking brake must demonstrate that it holds the vehicle stationary on an incline. This is a critical safety feature that ensures the vehicle will not roll when parked on a slope. The functionality of the parking brake is particularly important in preventing accidents or unintended movement of the vehicle, especially in hilly or uneven terrain. If the parking brake cannot securely hold the vehicle in place when parked on an incline, it would be considered defective and could lead to hazardous situations. The other options do touch on aspects of the parking brake, but they don't encapsulate the primary function that ensures safe parking under various conditions. For example, while minimal effort for activation and engagement time may be important factors, the ultimate demonstration of the parking brake's effectiveness is its ability to secure the vehicle. The idea of replacing it with a manual transmission also misses the point of the parking brake’s specific role in safety.