What should inspectors ensure about a vehicle's brakes during an inspection?

Inspectors must confirm that vehicle brakes provide adequate stopping power during an inspection because this is crucial for ensuring the safety of the vehicle's operation on the road. Effective brakes are essential for a driver's ability to control the vehicle and avoid accidents. During an inspection, this involves assessing multiple components, including the brake pads, rotors, and hydraulic systems, to ensure they are functioning properly and meet safety standards.

When brakes do not deliver sufficient stopping power, it can significantly increase the risk of collisions, putting both the driver and other road users in danger. Ensuring efficient braking systems helps to minimize the likelihood of incidents caused by brake failure.

The other choices involve aspects of brake inspection that do not provide a comprehensive assessment of safety. Merely checking the appearance of brake pads, focusing solely on brake fluid levels, or overlooking the importance of brakes entirely does not ensure a vehicle is roadworthy, as adequate performance is what ultimately matters in preventing accidents.