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