There is currently no requirement in place for aftermarket brake lining performance. NHTSA has indicated that the automotive aftermarket should take a proactive approach to come up with a standard test definition for lining evaluation. Many aftermarket manufacturers use dynamometer testing to evaluate lining performance, but there is currently not a common recognized method for on-vehicle lining screening. This procedure was created to provide a quick, on-vehicle test method for lining performance evaluation. This procedure is intended for use in passenger cars; multi purpose vehicles and light trucks with a gross vehicle weight less than 4535 kg(10 000 lb).

This Recommended Practice is intended to provide the automotive aftermarket brake lining manufacturer with an on-vehicle test procedure for comparison of brake lining performance with Original Equipment or a competitors performance. Care should be taken to maintain consistency between tests that are being compared. The data provided includes stopping distance performance in three lining conditions: green, burnished and faded. Also, driver pedal feel is quantified so that it can be objectively compared in the three principal lining conditions.