What to Do If Your Brakes Fail While Driving?

Experiencing brake failure while driving is a serious and potentially dangerous situation. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do if your brakes fail:

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

  • Avoid panicking; staying calm is crucial for making rational decisions.
  • Keep your hands firmly on the steering wheel and stay focused on controlling the vehicle.

2. Try the Brakes Again

  • Pump the brake pedal quickly and repeatedly. If your vehicle has a standard braking system, this might build up enough pressure to engage the brakes.
  • For cars with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), avoid pumping—just press the pedal firmly.

3. Downshift to Lower Gears

  • If you drive a manual transmission, progressively shift down through the gears to reduce speed.
  • If you drive an automatic transmission, move the gear selector to a lower range (e.g., “L” or “2”).

4. Use the Emergency Brake

  • Gradually engage the emergency or parking brake.
  • Apply it gently to avoid locking the rear wheels, which could cause the car to skid.

5. Steer to Safety

  • Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
  • Look for a safe area to pull over, such as a shoulder, an empty lane, or a grassy field.
  • If necessary, scrape your car gently against a curb or barrier to slow down.

6. Use Friction to Slow Down

  • If possible, let natural friction and resistance (from the road and wind) reduce your speed.
  • Aim for an incline or uphill section of the road to naturally decelerate.

7. Warn Others

  • Use your horn or flash your headlights to alert other drivers.

8. Plan a Safe Stop

  • Once your speed is sufficiently reduced, guide the vehicle to a complete stop.
  • Avoid turning the ignition off until you’ve stopped, as this could disable power steering and make the vehicle harder to control.

9. Call for Assistance

  • Once stopped, contact roadside assistance or a tow service.
  • Do not attempt to drive the car again until it has been inspected and repaired by a professional.

Prevention Tips

  • Regularly inspect your brake system, including pads, rotors, and fluid.
  • Pay attention to signs of brake issues, such as squeaking, grinding, or a spongy pedal.

By staying composed and taking immediate action, you can minimize the risks associated with brake failure.

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