What does a brake booster do?

A brake booster is a critical component in a vehicle's braking system that significantly enhances the driver's ability to apply braking force. Its primary function is to amplify the force that the driver applies to the brake pedal, making it easier to achieve the desired stopping power with less physical effort.

When you press the brake pedal, the brake booster uses vacuum pressure generated by the engine (in most conventional systems) or hydraulic pressure (in some modern systems) to increase the force transmitted to the brake calipers. This amplification ensures that the brakes respond more effectively, allowing for efficient stopping even with a light touch on the pedal.

By enabling the driver to exert less force yet achieve greater braking power, the brake booster plays a vital role in enhancing safety and control while driving, particularly during emergency stops or situations requiring rapid deceleration. While other options may describe different aspects of vehicle operation, they do not accurately capture the core function of the brake booster.