ISO 6597:2005

Overview

ISO 6597:2005 - Road vehicles - Hydraulic braking systems, including those with electronic control functions, for motor vehicles - Test procedures - specifies standardized test methods for hydraulic braking systems on vehicles of categories M (passenger) and N (goods) that comply with ECE‑R 13/09 (including supplements 1–7). The standard covers vacuum‑assisted, power hydraulic‑assisted and full‑power hydraulic braking systems, and incorporates ABS test methodology from ISO 11835. Note: electrical regenerative braking for hybrid/electric vehicles is not included in this edition.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope and applicability: Tests apply to hydraulic braking systems with or without electronic control (e.g., ABS, EBS) on M and N vehicles built to ECE‑R 13/09.
• Test site and ambient conditions: Specifies road surface requirements, gradient (±1% tolerance over 50 m), camber (≤2%), wind limits (≤5 m/s) and temperature guidance (≤35 °C, up to 45 °C in exceptional cases).
• ABS and split‑adhesion testing: Detailed requirements for low/high adhesion areas, adhesion measurement (peak k, k at 100% slip), and surface ratios for split‑adhesion tests.
• Test sequencing and preparation: Recommended test order, grouped unladen then laden tests, limits on number of stops per condition, and driver skill requirements to achieve optimum braking without wheel lock.
• Performance metrics: Uses mean fully developed deceleration (MFDD) and stopping distance in line with ECE Regulation No. 13 performance criteria.
• Special tests and annexes: Normative annexes cover pre‑test/static tests, basic performance (laden/unladen), failure tests, ABS function tests (laden/unladen), energy assistance (boosters and full power), fade tests, and special procedures (Annexes A–I).

Practical applications

• Vehicle manufacturers: validate hydraulic brake system performance during development and type‑approval to meet ECE R13 requirements.
• Test laboratories and technical services: conduct standardized braking tests (ABS, failure modes, fade, laden/unladen) and report MFDD and stopping distances.
• Regulatory agencies and homologation bodies: assess compliance for vehicle approval and safety certification.
• Component suppliers and OEMs: verify booster, master cylinder and electronic brake control interactions under prescribed conditions.

Related standards

• ECE Regulation No. 13 - Uniform provisions concerning vehicle braking (referenced throughout ISO 6597).
• ISO 11835 - Measurement of braking performance under ABS operation (portions incorporated into this edition).
• ECE R.E.3 - Vehicle construction resolutions (normative reference).

ISO 6597:2005 is essential for anyone involved in hydraulic braking system testing, type‑approval, and safety validation - ensuring consistent, repeatable test procedures and clear criteria for braking performance and ABS functionality.