What to Do When Brakes Fail on the Highway?
2 Answers
The solution to brake failure on the highway: The first thing to do is to stabilize the steering wheel and let the vehicle continue to coast. At the same time, turn on the hazard lights to alert nearby vehicles. Use wind resistance and friction to slow down naturally, control the direction according to road conditions and speed, disengage the high gear, and quickly rev the engine to shift from high gear to low gear. The driver should use the car's bumper, body frame, and other rigid parts to rub or collide with natural obstacles on the roadside (such as rocks, large trees, or slopes) to force the car to stop and escape danger, minimizing accident losses as much as possible. When brake failure occurs while going uphill, downshift to medium or low gear in time to maintain sufficient power to reach the top of the slope and stop. If stopping on a slope is necessary, keep the car in a low forward gear, pull the handbrake tight, and have passengers promptly use stones or wooden blocks to secure the wheels.
I usually drive very carefully, and a brake failure on the highway is indeed terrifying, requiring immediate action. Remember not to panic, keep a firm grip on the steering wheel, and avoid sudden turns to prevent losing control. Try downshifting to slow down, such as shifting to a lower gear like L or S, which can help decelerate the car with engine braking if supported. For electronic parking brakes, press gently instead of pulling it all at once to avoid skidding; for traditional handbrakes, tighten it gradually to prevent wheel lock-up. Simultaneously, turn on the hazard lights and honk the horn to warn surrounding vehicles to stay away, then slowly steer toward the emergency lane on the right side of the highway. Once stopped, shift to P, engage the parking brake firmly, and quickly exit the vehicle to a safe area outside the guardrail. Immediately call for emergency assistance or report to the police. Never attempt to continue driving at high speeds—brake failures often come with warning signs like unusual noises or a soft pedal, so stay alert. Practice these steps for safety—prevention is better than cure. Regularly check brake pads and fluid to avoid such ordeals.
