Stopping Safely After Your Brakes Have Failed

Brake failure in most of the times happens when the brake pads are worn out or in a case when too much braking fluid has been lost. It’s a terrifying scenario when you are on a drive and immediately notice a red light or an emergency abruptly and the next thing that hits your mind is trying to press the brake pedal instantly.

What would you do if the brakes do not work as required? This unexpected scenario may lead to a fatal or a terrifying moment to the driver as well as those accompanying them.
Here are simple things to do if you ever find yourself in a brake failure situation. Do not panic, follow these simple steps.

1. Downshift

This means lowering your car to a lower gear. When downshifting, ensure the gear lowering is done in stages to avoid the car from skidding. That is, if you are on a high speed as in the case of the automatic transmissions, this will require you to move from D to 3, 2 or 1. This shift of the gear will make the car slow down hence making it easier to stop.

2. Use The Parking Brake

The parking brake can also be used to further help the vehicle slow down. In this case, the braking will not be quick to slow down the car as in the case of the regular brakes but more patience is required to notice the effect of the parking brake. The parking brakes also help in locking up the car’s tires if applied too quickly with the use of too much pressure.

3. Make Use of The Emergency Brakes

These brakes also help in slowing down the vehicle but much care ought to be observed. The location and the strength of these brakes to avoid any confusion in case of brake failure. While some cars have their emergency brakes as a hand-activated lever, others have a pedal that is situated to the left of the gas and the brake pedals.

4. Know the Surrounding Terrain

Use the surrounding terrain when it is the last resort. This may help when the car is at low speed; while at high speed it may be dangerous. You may try to use the inclines that go up, driving on gravel or dirt that may be located on the roadsides. These may help slow the vehicle at some point.

5. Find The Way Out of Traffic

After managing to slow down the vehicle, try to find your way out the traffic. This reduces the chances of hitting other vehicles on the same road. Drive off to the outer lanes if you are on a busy highway while at the same time using the turn signals.