Ch. 4 · Pre-Drive Conduct

When the brake pedal is pressed down and the clearance with the floorboard has decreased, or when the pedal feels soft, there is a risk of poor brake performance due to brake fluid leakage or air intrusion.

[True / False · Hard]

Answer: ✓ True

Explanation

The brake pedal inspection section of the Rules of the Road states: "When the clearance with the floorboard has decreased or when the pedal feels soft, there is a risk of poor brake performance due to brake fluid leakage or air intrusion."

Driving school curriculumStage 2 – Topic 9: Vehicle maintenance

Hikari
Hikari
If the pedal still works, it's probably fine, right?
Misaki
Misaki
No, that's wrong. When the pedal feels soft or sits too close to the floor, brake fluid might be leaking or air got into the system — both kill your stopping power.
Hikari
Hikari
So even if I can press it, the brakes might not actually work?
Misaki
Misaki
Exactly. Never ignore a mushy pedal — check it immediately before the brakes fail on you.

Source: Ch. 4 Pre-Drive Conduct · Section (第３節 自動車の点検) · 床板とのすき間が少なくなつているときや、踏みごたえが柔らかく感じるときは、ブレーキ液の液漏れ、空気の混入によるブレーキの効き不良のおそれがあります。

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Source content excerpted from the NPA “Rules of the Road” instructional manual, in the public domain under Japanese Copyright Act Article 13(2). Explanations are AI-assisted and copyrighted by the MenkyoQuest editorial team.