What to Do When Car Brakes Fail?
2 Answers
Here are the solutions for car brake failure: 1. First, turn on the hazard lights to alert other vehicles and be mindful of avoiding other cars, avoiding swerving left and right. 2. Quickly shift to a lower gear, then slowly pull up the handbrake to pull over. Be sure to pull it up slowly. If the handbrake is pulled too quickly, the wheels may lock, which is very dangerous. 3. If the car is on an uphill slope, to prevent it from rolling backward, after stopping, place stones or other objects behind the wheels to prevent the car from rolling back. Also, set up a triangular warning sign to alert vehicles behind. 4. If the car is on a downhill slope and cannot be completely stopped, use other obstacles to bring the car to a halt, such as scraping against a wall. The car's braking system is the driver's greatest safety assurance while driving, so always check the condition of the braking system during every maintenance session. Address any issues promptly to eliminate the risk of brake failure.
Brake failure is really scary, but after driving for over a decade, my experience tells me the first step is to stay absolutely calm—panicking only makes things worse. Try gently pumping the brakes multiple times to see if you can regain some braking power; sometimes air in the brake system or clogged fluid lines can be resolved this way. If that doesn’t work, immediately use the handbrake to assist in slowing down, but pull it up gradually to avoid locking the rear wheels and causing a skid. If you’re driving a manual transmission car, quickly downshift to use engine braking for deceleration. At the same time, turn on your hazard lights to alert vehicles behind you, and scan the roadside for a safe stopping spot, such as a flat, open area or an emergency stopping zone. After stopping, immediately check the brake fluid level and brake pad wear—these could be the culprits. Afterwards, make sure to take your car to a professional shop for a thorough inspection; don’t cut corners to save money. Safety comes first, and regular brake system checks are essential for prevention. This approach works even on highways—your life is what matters most.
