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