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Tips for Handling Car Brake Failure: Dos and Don'ts While Driving

What if you suddenly realize that the brakes have failed while you are driving? There have been many incidents of getting into such danger

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Fear can worsen the situation

There is nothing much to be afraid of or panic about. Because it only invites more accidents.

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What to do if this happens?

Here are some dos and don'ts if your car's brakes fail while driving

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Regain composure

If you realize that the vehicle's brakes have failed, first regain your composure.

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Take your foot off the accelerator

Completely remove your foot from the accelerator pedal.

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Turn off cruise control

If it is a car with cruise control, turn it off.

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Apply the brake pedal

Now apply the brake pedal. If the brake pedal goes all the way down when you press it, it means that the brake fluid is low.

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Pump the brakes

Pump the brake pedal repeatedly. ABS will only work if you brake hard.

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Apply the brakes fully

Once you realize that enough pressure has built up, apply the brakes fully immediately. After pressing, keep your foot on the brake for a while without removing it.

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Shift to a lower gear

If it's a manual car, immediately shift to a low gear. This will cause engine braking. You can also shift an automatic car to low gear (L or D1).

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Use horn and lights

If you are in traffic, immediately honk the horn and flash the headlights. This will alert other drivers of your emergency. 

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Turn on the AC

You can also reduce the speed of the vehicle by running the AC. Run the AC at the highest fan speed.

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Handbrake

Apply the handbrake only after the speed has dropped below 20 kilometers per hour with engine braking. Never use the handbrake at high speed.

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Safe place to stop

Look for a way to safely stop the car. Try to stop and slow down the vehicle in open spaces, empty roads or sidewalks

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Crash into a safe place

If you can't stop, choose a safe place where you can crash the car at low speed. Turn the car into a place like bushes.

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Never do these things

Never turn off the engine else the steering & power assist will fail. Do not put it in neutral gear or reverse gear. Do not use the handbrake without reducing the speed.

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