What measures should a driver take when the service brake suddenly fails?

[ValeriaMarie]

Here are the measures a driver should take when the service brake suddenly fails: 1. Steady the steering wheel and maintain control of the direction: When a motor vehicle experiences brake failure while driving, the first thing to do is to firmly hold the steering wheel and maintain control to prevent the vehicle from deviating due to panic, which could ultimately lead to a traffic accident. 2. Shift to a lower gear for deceleration: For manual transmission vehicles, when encountering brake issues, the driver can press the clutch and shift to a lower gear to decelerate, even dropping two gears at once if necessary; for automatic transmission vehicles with a manual mode, the driver can also shift to a lower gear for deceleration. 3. Use the parking brake to slow down: The parking brake, commonly known as the handbrake, is not part of the same braking system as the brake pedal. Therefore, when the vehicle's brakes fail, the parking brake can still be used for effective braking. For mechanical handbrakes, simply pull up the handbrake lever; for electronic handbrakes, hold down the button.

[DelLeonardo]

After driving for so many years, I experienced brake failure, which was truly terrifying. The top priority is to stay calm and not panic. Immediately release the accelerator pedal to avoid further acceleration. Turn on the hazard lights right away to alert surrounding vehicles, while honking the horn to warn other drivers. Then, downshifting is the most effective way to slow down—for manual transmissions, downshift step by step to use engine braking, and for automatic transmissions, switch to a lower gear or sport mode. The handbrake should also be used, but gently and gradually to avoid locking the wheels and causing skidding. Quickly scan the road environment for a gentle slope, flat area, or roadside safe zone to pull over. If the speed is still high, lightly brushing against a guardrail can help buffer the stop. After stopping, don’t rush out of the car; ensure safety before checking the issue. Afterwards, remember to visit a professional shop for repairs and maintenance, and regularly check brake fluid and the pump to prevent future failures. Safe driving hinges on prevention and quick response.

[DiJosiah]

I often study car structures, and brake failures are mostly caused by fluid leaks or system malfunctions. In such situations, stay calm and immediately pump the brake pedal several times to see if the function can be restored. Meanwhile, downshift to use engine braking to assist in slowing down. For manual transmissions, you can directly downshift, while automatic transmissions should switch to manual mode and shift to a lower gear. Use the handbrake slowly to avoid sudden pulls that could cause skidding. Don't forget to turn on the hazard lights and honk to alert others. Observe the road conditions and use downhill slopes or open spaces to coast to a stop. If on a highway, gently rub against the guardrail to slow down and reduce collision risks. When repairing the car, always replace with new parts to ensure reliability. Develop the habit of checking the braking system every season to reduce the chance of accidents.

[JoannaDella]

As a responsible parent, my biggest fear when driving with family is brake failure. If it happens, I immediately shout for everyone to fasten their seatbelts tightly, stay seated, and avoid moving around. I quickly turn on the hazard lights and honk the horn to alert others. Gently steer to avoid obstacles, preventing sharp turns. I attempt to downshift to slow down, reducing reliance on brakes and minimizing emergency brake use to prevent accidents. I look for open spaces like road shoulders to park, ensuring family safety is the top priority. Afterwards, I always take the car for a comprehensive inspection and protection.