How do we check the emergency brake in a vehicle?

The correct answer highlights the importance of ensuring that the emergency brake, or parking brake, engages effectively to prevent the vehicle from rolling when parked. By stating that the brakes must set before the pedal travels its limit, it emphasizes the need for the emergency brake to activate properly without excessive travel of the pedal. This is crucial for safety since a fully engaged emergency brake should lock the rear wheels sufficiently to hold the vehicle stationary even on an incline.

In this context, a proper functioning emergency brake contributes to overall vehicle safety, particularly when parked. If the pedal travels beyond its limit before engaging, it implies that the brake system may be poorly adjusted or worn, which can lead to the emergency brake being ineffective.

The other options focus on aspects like pedal travel and resistance but do not address the fundamental requirement of immediate engagement upon actuation. Thus, while they may pertain to brake function, they do not capture the essence of what makes an emergency brake reliable and effective in preventing vehicle movement when necessary.