What to Do When Brakes Fail?

[CharlieDella]

Check if there are any issues with the brake pads or brake discs. Check if there are any problems with the brake fluid in the brake calipers or master cylinder. Check if air has entered the brake lines. Take the vehicle to a professional repair shop for servicing.

[DelDaniela]

I was really scared when I experienced brake failure last time, but staying calm is crucial. Immediately release the accelerator and quickly pump the brakes several times to see if pressure can be restored. At the same time, turn on the hazard lights to warn vehicles behind you, and quickly look for an escape route—uphill roads, soft soil, grassy areas, or rubbing against guardrails can all provide opportunities to slow down. If the speed is still high, quickly shift to a lower gear to use engine braking, but be careful not to lock the tires. For electronic parking brakes, hold the button down without releasing it; for mechanical parking brakes, gently pull it up step by step—yanking it suddenly may cause the car to skid. Never turn off the engine directly, as losing power steering is even more dangerous. After stopping, be sure to call a tow truck for inspection. Common issues could be brake fluid leakage, a faulty vacuum pump, or worn-out brake pads—never try to drive in this condition!

[IslaLee]

When you feel the brakes becoming soft or experiencing a loss of braking power while driving, the first thing to do is to firmly grip the steering wheel and avoid erratic steering. I usually turn on the hazard lights immediately and quickly pump the brake pedal a few times with my right foot, as this can sometimes help the brake system rebuild pressure. At the same time, make good use of the surrounding environment, looking for escape lanes or gravel shoulders, and even roadside guardrails can be used to slow down the vehicle. The key to controlling speed is downshifting—for manual transmission cars, shift directly to a lower gear, while for automatic transmission cars, switch to a lower gear or manual mode. For cars with electronic parking brakes, hold the parking brake button for a long time; for traditional handbrakes, lift and release it quickly like knocking on a door to prevent wheel lock-up. After successfully stopping, remember to call for roadside assistance. Common causes include insufficient brake fluid, failure of the brake master cylinder, or leakage in the wheel cylinders. Continuing to drive under these conditions is extremely dangerous.

[RyderFitz]

When you notice the brake pedal feels soft or unresponsive, avoid jerking the steering wheel abruptly. My first step is to repeatedly pump the brake pedal quickly to reactivate the brake pressure system. Simultaneously, turn on the hazard lights to alert other vehicles and use engine braking to slow down—downshift gradually in a manual transmission or switch to manual mode and downshift in an automatic. Prepare to use the handbrake with your right hand, ensuring to pull it up slowly and steadily to prevent skidding. Scan the road for cushioning objects like roadside bushes or guardrails to assist in deceleration. After coming to a safe stop, conduct a thorough inspection, focusing on potential brake fluid leaks, vacuum booster malfunctions, or abnormal wear on brake discs and pads, as these can all lead to brake failure.