Of utmost importance in ensuring safe driving, the brake system of any vehicle is a safety staple that needs regular inspection. You put yourself and others at risk without regular maintenance on your brakes.
Unfortunately, brakes can fail without warning for various reasons, including worn brake pads, low fluid levels, or an inefficient master cylinder. If your brakes go out unexpectedly and suddenly, it is essential to take proper precautions to stop your vehicle safely. Utilize these critical steps of what to avoid when confronted with this situation:
- In moments of distress, taking deep breaths and maintaining a cool head are vital. It can help ensure the safety of yourself and those around you in any given situation. Avoid impulsive reactions and remain as calm as possible.
- Do not turn off your vehicle until you have slowed to a stop. Even though it may seem counterintuitive, leaving your car in the drive is the best action. If you turn off the engine, power steering and braking are lost, making it more difficult to control your vehicle. You can go towards an area away from pedestrians and other vehicles safely.
- When you downshift, it is important to transition gradually from fourth gear to first gear. Moving too quickly could cause your vehicle to skid and impair your control of the vehicle while driving. As much as possible, maintain stability and always remain in full command over the car during braking.
- The emergency brake is an integral piece of the brake system, yet it’s important to wait until you have downshifted and pumped your foot on the brakes before using it. In a time of panic, it can seem logical to apply this right away; however, doing so could result in losing control over your vehicle and lead to dangerous skidding hazards for everyone.
By applying the correct mindset and knowledge of what to do when your brakes fail, you can maintain control and establish a secure environment for yourself and other drivers. It is essential to stay as safe as possible while driving.
- When you notice your brakes failing to respond, it’s paramount that you take your foot off the accelerator and slow down as quickly as possible.
- Should you retain control of your automobile and the street remain somewhat free, turn on the hazard lights and warn other autos nearby by honking your horn.
- If you’re using cruise control, deactivate it. Carefully shift your gears to decrease momentum and prevent any dangerous situations on the road.
- Dual braking systems integrated into many cars give each front and rear brake separate activation. Pushing the brakes can help slow your speed until you come to a full stop – provided it is managed correctly. Sadly, this method will only be effective with total system failure.
- Exercise caution when engaging the emergency brake to retain the complete authority of your vehicle.
- Pull the emergency brake and navigate your vehicle safely to the shoulder of the road.
In addition to these steps, it’s important to always pay attention to the warning signs of brake failure, such as grinding noises or lessened responsiveness when brakes are applied. If your brakes fail, contact a qualified mechanic for an inspection and repair, as leaving a brake system unattended can lead to dangerous consequences.
source: https://burtbrothers.com/blog/what-to-do-and-not-do-when-your-brakes-fail/
Comments
Download this infographic.