How to Handle Sudden Brake Failure?
2 Answers
The methods to handle sudden brake failure are: 1. Release the accelerator pedal; 2. Shift to manual mode and manually downshift from high gear to low gear sequentially; 3. When applying the handbrake, hold the release button and pull the handbrake continuously without locking it; 4. After the vehicle stops, shift into park. The causes of sudden brake failure include: 1. Impurities in the brake master cylinder or poor sealing; 2. Failure of the vacuum booster pump; 3. Dirty brake fluid; 4. Oil leakage from the brake master cylinder or wheel cylinder; 5. Air leakage from the air reservoir or pipe connections; 6. Severe overloading; 7. Carbonization of the brake drum; 8. Insufficient brake fluid in the brake master cylinder; 9. Wear of the brake master cylinder piston.
When sudden brake failure occurs in a car, I recommend staying calm and not panicking immediately, as this is the key to handling the situation. Imagine you're on the highway—release the accelerator and definitely don't slam on the brakes trying to restore them, as it might make things worse. Next, try using the handbrake, also known as the parking brake, which can serve as an auxiliary measure, but pull it gently to avoid sudden stops that could cause the car to spin. If it's a manual transmission car, downshift to let the engine drag and slow down, such as shifting from a higher gear to a lower one. At the same time, turn on the hazard warning lights to alert other drivers, giving your car more distance. If the roadside is safe, try to pull over as much as possible, or find a slope to stop and utilize the terrain's resistance. Brake failure is usually caused by brake fluid leakage or air entering the system, so regular maintenance should include checking fluid levels and pipeline seals. Remember, safety comes first—once failure occurs, ensure you're not in danger before handling the situation.
