ASE T4 Brakes Practice Exam Questions
And Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
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1. What is the primary purpose of a vehicle’s brake system?
A. Increase vehicle speed
B. Maintain engine temperature
C. Stop or slow the vehicle
D. Reduce fuel consumption
Rationale: The brake system’s main function is to safely stop or slow
the vehicle under control.
2. Which type of brake system uses hydraulic pressure to operate the
brakes?
A. Mechanical brake system
B. Pneumatic brake system
C. Hydraulic brake system
D. Electric brake system
, Rationale: Hydraulic brake systems use fluid pressure to transfer
force from the pedal to the brake components.
3. Which component converts hydraulic pressure into mechanical force
to apply the brakes?
A. Brake pedal
B. Brake caliper or wheel cylinder
C. Master cylinder reservoir
D. Brake booster
Rationale: Calipers (disc) or wheel cylinders (drum) convert hydraulic
pressure into mechanical force to push brake pads or shoes.
4. What is the function of the brake master cylinder?
A. Store brake fluid
B. Convert pedal force into hydraulic pressure
C. Apply brakes directly
D. Reduce brake noise
Rationale: The master cylinder generates hydraulic pressure when
the brake pedal is pressed, distributing fluid to the brakes.
5. Which of the following is a common sign of a failing brake master
cylinder?
A. Engine overheating
B. Spongy brake pedal or pedal sinking to the floor
C. Steering wheel vibration
D. Low tire pressure
, Rationale: A failing master cylinder often causes a soft or sinking
brake pedal due to internal fluid leaks.
6. What is the function of a brake booster?
A. Reduce engine noise
B. Increase braking force with less pedal effort
C. Pump brake fluid
D. Lubricate brake components
Rationale: A brake booster uses vacuum or hydraulic assistance to
amplify pedal force for easier braking.
7. What is the main difference between drum and disc brakes?
A. Drum brakes are more expensive
B. Disc brakes use a drum inside a rotor
C. Disc brakes use a rotor and caliper; drum brakes use a drum and
shoes
D. Drum brakes are only used in motorcycles
Rationale: Disc brakes have calipers that squeeze pads on a rotor;
drum brakes have shoes that expand inside a drum.
8. Which type of brake pad material generally produces the least noise?
A. Semi-metallic
B. Ceramic
C. Organic
D. Ceramic
, Rationale: Ceramic pads are engineered to reduce noise and dust
while maintaining performance.
9. Which component holds the brake pads in a disc brake system?
A. Rotor
B. Brake shoe
C. Caliper bracket
D. Master cylinder
Rationale: The caliper bracket secures the pads in place and allows
the caliper to slide and apply pressure.
10. What is a common cause of brake pedal pulsation?
A. Low tire pressure
B. Warped brake rotors
C. Low engine oil
D. Faulty fuel pump
Rationale: Uneven or warped rotors cause vibration when the pads
contact the rotor surface, felt as pedal pulsation.
11. How can moisture affect brake system performance?
A. It increases braking efficiency
B. It reduces engine performance
C. It can cause corrosion and reduce hydraulic efficiency
D. It strengthens brake pads
Rationale: Moisture in brake fluid or on metal components can
corrode parts and reduce braking performance.
And Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of a vehicle’s brake system?
A. Increase vehicle speed
B. Maintain engine temperature
C. Stop or slow the vehicle
D. Reduce fuel consumption
Rationale: The brake system’s main function is to safely stop or slow
the vehicle under control.
2. Which type of brake system uses hydraulic pressure to operate the
brakes?
A. Mechanical brake system
B. Pneumatic brake system
C. Hydraulic brake system
D. Electric brake system
, Rationale: Hydraulic brake systems use fluid pressure to transfer
force from the pedal to the brake components.
3. Which component converts hydraulic pressure into mechanical force
to apply the brakes?
A. Brake pedal
B. Brake caliper or wheel cylinder
C. Master cylinder reservoir
D. Brake booster
Rationale: Calipers (disc) or wheel cylinders (drum) convert hydraulic
pressure into mechanical force to push brake pads or shoes.
4. What is the function of the brake master cylinder?
A. Store brake fluid
B. Convert pedal force into hydraulic pressure
C. Apply brakes directly
D. Reduce brake noise
Rationale: The master cylinder generates hydraulic pressure when
the brake pedal is pressed, distributing fluid to the brakes.
5. Which of the following is a common sign of a failing brake master
cylinder?
A. Engine overheating
B. Spongy brake pedal or pedal sinking to the floor
C. Steering wheel vibration
D. Low tire pressure
, Rationale: A failing master cylinder often causes a soft or sinking
brake pedal due to internal fluid leaks.
6. What is the function of a brake booster?
A. Reduce engine noise
B. Increase braking force with less pedal effort
C. Pump brake fluid
D. Lubricate brake components
Rationale: A brake booster uses vacuum or hydraulic assistance to
amplify pedal force for easier braking.
7. What is the main difference between drum and disc brakes?
A. Drum brakes are more expensive
B. Disc brakes use a drum inside a rotor
C. Disc brakes use a rotor and caliper; drum brakes use a drum and
shoes
D. Drum brakes are only used in motorcycles
Rationale: Disc brakes have calipers that squeeze pads on a rotor;
drum brakes have shoes that expand inside a drum.
8. Which type of brake pad material generally produces the least noise?
A. Semi-metallic
B. Ceramic
C. Organic
D. Ceramic
, Rationale: Ceramic pads are engineered to reduce noise and dust
while maintaining performance.
9. Which component holds the brake pads in a disc brake system?
A. Rotor
B. Brake shoe
C. Caliper bracket
D. Master cylinder
Rationale: The caliper bracket secures the pads in place and allows
the caliper to slide and apply pressure.
10. What is a common cause of brake pedal pulsation?
A. Low tire pressure
B. Warped brake rotors
C. Low engine oil
D. Faulty fuel pump
Rationale: Uneven or warped rotors cause vibration when the pads
contact the rotor surface, felt as pedal pulsation.
11. How can moisture affect brake system performance?
A. It increases braking efficiency
B. It reduces engine performance
C. It can cause corrosion and reduce hydraulic efficiency
D. It strengthens brake pads
Rationale: Moisture in brake fluid or on metal components can
corrode parts and reduce braking performance.
