What measures should be taken in case of brake failure?
3 Answers
After the brake system fails, you should downshift to use engine braking to slow down. If the speed still cannot be reduced, you can try to slow down by rubbing against the wall or railing on the side of the road. If this is necessary, ensure the safety of other pedestrians and vehicles. Do not use the handbrake in case of brake failure: If the brake system fails, do not use the handbrake, as this may directly cause the car to lose control. Composition of the brake system: The brake system is very important for a car. It mainly consists of a vacuum booster pump, master cylinder, wheel cylinder, brake pads, and brake discs.
When the brakes fail, my first reaction is to stay calm and not panic. Quickly pump the brake pedal several times to see if some braking force can be restored—sometimes it's just a temporary hydraulic issue causing the failure. If there's still no response, immediately use the handbrake to slow down—not by yanking it suddenly but by pulling it up gradually to control speed and avoid rear-wheel lockup and skidding. For manual transmission cars, downshift to a lower gear to utilize engine braking; for automatic transmission cars, switch to manual mode or L gear for similar operation. At the same time, turn on the hazard warning lights, honk the horn to alert surrounding vehicles to yield, steer to avoid obstacles, and try to move to the right side of the road to a safe spot. After coming to a gradual stop, turn off the engine and set up a warning triangle to seek repair assistance. I recommend regularly checking the brake fluid level and brake pad wear to prevent potential hazards. With over ten years of driving experience, I’ve encountered this situation twice and safely navigated through it each time—never neglect brake system inspections.
The key to dealing with brake failure is to stay calm and act swiftly. Upon occurrence, first take a deep breath to maintain focus and avoid erratic steering. Test the brake pedal for responsiveness; if ineffective, promptly engage the hand/parking brake by gradually applying tension to decelerate smoothly without abruptness. Downshift rapidly—lower gears provide additional braking force—while activating hazard warning lights and sounding the horn to alert other drivers for assistance. Prioritize stopping on level ground to minimize risks, then immediately contact support for inspection. Preventive measures like monthly visual checks of the braking system can significantly reduce such failures, with seal integrity inspections before rainy seasons offering extra security.
