Apply heavy foot pressure to the brake pedal (engine running for power brakes). Check for a spongy pedal and pedal reserve. Spongy pedal action is springr. Pedal action should feel firm. Pedal reserve is the distance between the brake pedal and the floor after the pedal has been depressed fully. The pedal should not go lower than 1 or 2 inches (25 or 50 mm) above the floor