How to Handle Brake Failure
Thanks to a number of mechanical checks and balances, brake failure rarely occurs. But even though most drivers will never have to experience it, it doesn't hurt to be prepared.
- Difficulty:
- Challenging
Instructions
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1
Size up the traffic situation and base your decisions on the whereabouts of other vehicles, intersections or steep hills.
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2
Look for a safe place to steer your car and quickly downshift to low gear (this applies to both manual and automatic transmissions).
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3
Build up your brake pressure by pumping the brake pedal fast and firmly. It should take three or four pumps to get the brakes to work. Don't pump anti-lock brakes -- press down hard on them instead and plan on taking longer to stop. It is normal to feel pulsation at the brake pedal if you have anti-lock brakes.
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4
Use your parking brake if the pumping solution is ineffective or not recommended. Release it quickly if the car starts to skid.
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Don't forget to steer. Swerve only if it's absolutely necessary -- doing so can cause you to lose control of the car.
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6
Throw your car into reverse if all else fails. Note that this can cause serious damage to your transmission.
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Tips & Warnings
Sounding your horn and flashing your headlights will warn other motorists.
Turn on your emergency flashers once you've come to a complete stop.
Try to remain calm - panicking can cause you to make mistakes.
Use a cell phone to call for roadside assistance if your brakes continue to fail. Wait in your car or another safe place until help arrives.
Get your brakes and brake hoses checked every 6 months.
A not uncommon cause of inability to brake is a soda bottle or ball rolling under the pedal: clean out under your seat!
If you have anti-lock brakes, do not pump them. Autos sold in the United States must contain fail-safe brake systems. If you have problems with your anti-lock brakes, simply press down hard and plan on waiting longer to stop.
Do not drive for any long period of time with the brake light on. Add brake fluid and go see your mechanic.
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Comments
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jimdris
Dec 15, 2006
If you have air in your system due to a leak or failing master cylinder, a quick couple of pumps on your brake pedal will restore enough hydraulic pressure to stop you safely. -
jimdris
Dec 15, 2006
If you have air in your system due to a leak or failing master cylinder, a quick couple of pumps on your brake pedal will restore enough hydraulic pressure to stop you safely.
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Sep 14, 2006
My brakes failed while I was going through a set of lights descending a hill. I drive a manual front wheel drive car, so I changed gears to second/first and then lifted the clutch to engage the engine and use it as a brake (by utilizing the friction in the engine to slow you down). This way you have a lot more control over how hard your braking is on the front wheels (all four wheels in a 4x4), and the handbrake can be used to break the rear wheels at the same time.
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Sep 14, 2006
My brakes failed while I was going through a set of lights descending a hill. I drive a manual front wheel drive car, so I changed gears to second/first and then lifted the clutch to engage the engine and use it as a brake (by utilizing the friction in the engine to slow you down). This way you have a lot more control over how hard your braking is on the front wheels (all four wheels in a 4x4), and the handbrake can be used to break the rear wheels at the same time.
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Dec 22, 2005
My brakes failed as I was getting off the interstate due to overheated fluid. I panicked and pulled the emergency brake up. It did not slow my car, however, it did melt the rear brakes and caused extensive damage. Brake fluid should be changed once a year as old fluid contains more water and overheats easily, causing a soft pedal in a mechanically sound brake system.
