What to Do When Brakes Fail in an Automatic Transmission Vehicle?
3 Answers
When experiencing brake failure in an automatic transmission vehicle, the first step is to remain calm and turn on the hazard lights. Below are specific measures to handle brake failure in an automatic transmission vehicle: Activate Warning Lights: First, turn on the hazard lights to alert other vehicles. Simultaneously, be mindful of avoiding other vehicles and refrain from swerving left and right, keeping a safe distance from them. Release the Accelerator: Employ engine braking by checking if the seatbelt is fastened. Release the accelerator to allow the vehicle to slow down gradually. Emergency Braking: Engage the handbrake for emergency braking, as it is designed to handle such situations. Initially, attempt to use the handbrake to see if it can bring the vehicle to a stop. When pulling the handbrake, avoid yanking it all the way or too quickly, as this may damage or cause the handbrake to fail. Instead, apply steady force and gradually pull the handbrake to its full extent. Forced Downshifting: Press the brake pedal and shift the gear lever to the N (Neutral) position. This is because the N position means the engine will rev without transmitting power to the wheels.
I've also experienced brake failure before, and it really gets your heart racing, but the key is to stay calm. What I've tried in an automatic transmission car includes: shifting to a lower gear (L or S mode) to let the engine help slow down; gently pulling the handbrake without yanking it all at once to avoid wheel lock-up; turning on the hazard lights to alert others while steadily steering to the side. If the speed isn't too high, repeatedly pressing the brake pedal might restore function. Afterward, I checked the brake fluid—it turned out there was a leak. Now, I always inspect the brake system and fluid level before every trip to ensure everything's in order. Remember, never slam on the brakes at high speed; just find a safe spot to pull over.
Having driven for over a decade, I believe automatic transmission brake failures usually stem from issues in the hydraulic braking system, such as insufficient fluid or air blockages. In such situations, my first step is to remain calm, immediately release the accelerator, shift into manual mode or lower gears to utilize engine braking for deceleration. Simultaneously, carefully apply the parking brake without being too abrupt to prevent loss of control. Turn on hazard lights and gradually move to the roadside. If these measures prove ineffective, try shifting the gear lever to other positions to avoid coming to a complete stop which could be dangerous. Afterwards, it's advisable to conduct a thorough inspection of the brake pump or lines, and always pay attention to changes in brake pedal feel during regular use.
