What to Do If Your Brakes Fail While Driving

When you’re cruising down the open road, feeling the wind in your hair and the freedom of the drive, the last thing you expect is for your brakes to fail. But let’s be honest, car troubles can happen to anyone, anytime. So, what should you do if you find yourself in such a hairy situation? Here’s the scoop.

First Things First – Stay Calm!

Your heart might be racing, and panic could be creeping in, but try to take a deep breath. The first thing you want to do is focus. You can handle this! The correct response to brake failure involves two key actions: using the emergency brake and shifting to a lower gear. These maneuvers help you regain control of the situation and slow down safely.

The Heroic Emergency Brake

Don’t underestimate your emergency brake. It’s there for you in dire times like this. Engaging the emergency brake allows you to slow down the vehicle even when your primary brakes give up. If you’ve ever pulled up on that lever while parked on a hill, you know it works! But here’s an important point to keep in mind: don’t yank it! Gradually pulling it will ensure a smoother deceleration without sending your car into a tailspin.

Shift Gears Like a Pro

Pairing the emergency brake with a shift to a lower gear is a game-changer. When you do this, your engine helps in slowing down the vehicle. It’s like having your own driving superhero! Lower gears make your engine work harder, creating what's called engine braking. This technique can effectively reduce your speed without relying entirely on the brakes.

Navigating Toward Safety

While you’re executing these actions, remember to steer your vehicle away from traffic or critical hazards when possible. Your goal is to safely maneuver to a stop, away from potential dangers. Using your turn signals to alert others of your intentions can bring a little safety buffer into the mix, too.

What NOT to Do

Now – let’s clarify what you shouldn’t do. Turbo accelerating or slamming into something could lead to disastrous results – think of that as the opposite of what you want. And just sitting there doing nothing, hoping the brakes will mysteriously kick back in, is a bold move… and not a smart one. Keeping your wits about you and taking action is the way to go.

Keeping It Together for the Future

Brake failure can seem terrifying, but knowing what to do can definitely put you ahead of the game. Regular vehicle maintenance can help reduce the chances of brake failure happening in the first place. Make it a habit to check your brakes frequently, or take your car in for a professional inspection.

A Final Note on Being Prepared

Driving isn’t just about getting from point A to point B; it’s about being prepared for the unexpected, like brake failure. Staying informed and knowing practical solutions can make all the difference. You’ll not only feel more secure behind the wheel, but you can also share this vital knowledge with friends and family. So next time you hit the road, remember: if those brakes ever hesitate, you’ve got the tools to handle it!

Staying calm, utilizing your emergency brake, and shifting to a lower gear are your best bets during a brake emergency. Gas pedal? Forget it. You got this!