Brake systems have the function of reducing speed, stop a vehicle in motion and keep the vehicle stationary.

A vehicle’s slowing down is determined by the transformation of the vehicle’s kinetic energy into thermal energy of the brake system. Important factors such as stability and distribution, modulation of the brake driving force, stopping distance, loss of efficiency in high temperatures – fading – and brake linings wear should be taken into account when designing and assessing brake systems.

As brake systems are crucial to guarantee safety on the road, they are ruled by each country’s competent body. Vehicles are approved and released for operation according to national regulations or, in case these have not been implemented in the country, by international regulations. These laws/ regulations standardize terminology, describe basic concepts and lay down the essential requirements for the composition of brake systems.

The Traffic National Body, through its resolution no. 777, of 1993, adopts the Brazilian norms (ABNT) NBR 10966, NBR 10969, NBR 10970, NBR 10967, and NBR 10968, which are based on the regulations used by the European Community ECE-R13, as testing methods and minimal requirements to assess motor vehicles` brake systems. It also determines that all automotive brand-new, national or imported vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers with total gross weight heavier than 500 kg shall meet the minimum performance requirements established for each vehicle category, as described in the ABNT, NB-1253 Regulation.