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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.

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    Difficulty:
    Challenging

    Instructions

    Things You'll Need

    • Car Manuals
    • Roadside Emergency Cards
    • Cellular Telephones
      • 1

        Size up the traffic situation and base your decisions on the whereabouts of other vehicles, intersections or steep hills.

      • 2

        Look for a safe place to steer your car and quickly downshift to low gear (this applies to both manual and automatic transmissions).

      • 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.

      • 4

        Use your parking brake if the pumping solution is ineffective or not recommended. Release it quickly if the car starts to skid.

      • 5

        Don't forget to steer. Swerve only if it's absolutely necessary -- doing so can cause you to lose control of the car.

      • 6

        Throw your car into reverse if all else fails. Note that this can cause serious damage to your transmission.

    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

    • 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.
    • 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.
    • 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.
    • 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.

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