What is the purpose of a brake booster?

The primary function of a brake booster is to amplify the force applied to the brake pedal, making it significantly easier for the driver to engage the braking system. When the driver presses the pedal, the brake booster uses either vacuum or hydraulic pressure to increase the amount of force that is transmitted to the brake components. This amplification allows for lighter pedal pressure, enhancing driver comfort and control while ensuring efficient stopping power.

While distributing brake fluid evenly is important for proper brake function, it's not the role of the brake booster. Cooling the brake system is essential to prevent overheating but is a function of different braking components and airflow, not the booster itself. Similarly, the lifespan of brake pads is influenced by several factors such as materials and driving habits, but not directly by the brake booster’s operation. Thus, the correct answer highlights the booster’s critical role in enhancing braking effectiveness through force amplification.