What to Do When Car Brakes Fail?
3 Answers
The solutions for car brake failure are as follows: 1. Control the direction according to road conditions and speed, disengage the high gear, and quickly rev the engine once without load to shift from high gear to low gear. This way, the engine will provide significant traction resistance to rapidly reduce the vehicle speed. Additionally, while shifting to low gear, the handbrake should be used in combination, but be careful not to pull it too tightly or too slowly. Pulling it too tightly may cause the brake disc to "lock up," potentially damaging transmission components and losing braking ability; pulling it too slowly may cause the brake disc to wear and overheat, losing its braking effect. 2. Use the car's bumper, body, or 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. 3. If 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 halfway is necessary, keep the car in low gear, pull the handbrake tightly, and have passengers use stones or wooden blocks to secure the wheels. If the car starts to slide backward, turn the rear toward the slope or a safe side, and turn on the headlights and emergency signals to alert other vehicles. 4. If brake failure occurs while going downhill and the vehicle's own mechanisms cannot control the speed, the driver should decisively use natural obstacles, such as roadside rocks or large trees, to create resistance for the car. If no suitable terrain or objects are available, in an emergency, move one side of the car close to the mountain to increase resistance through friction and gradually reduce the speed.
That time on the highway when my brakes suddenly failed, my heart nearly jumped out of my chest. Luckily, my driving instructor had taught me what to do: first, pull the handbrake gently to avoid skidding—don’t yank it; apply steady pressure. For manual transmission cars, downshift to lower gears to slow down, like shifting from third to second gear. For automatics, use the low-gear mode or manual mode to downshift. At the same time, gradually move toward the roadside with hazard lights on to alert others. If there’s sand or grass nearby, rubbing against it can help cushion the stop. Later, I learned the brake failure might have been due to a leaking brake line or worn-out pads. I recommend making it a habit to check your brake fluid and hoses every three months to avoid accidents.
I've been driving for over 30 years and have encountered many similar situations. There are quite a few reasons for brake failure, such as insufficient brake fluid or aging pipelines. Emergency handling requires steadiness: immediately pull up the emergency handbrake, controlling the force without being abrupt; for manual transmissions, press the clutch and shift to a lower gear, the engine can assist in braking; at high speeds, never jerk the steering wheel sharply, as it can easily cause a rollover. Try to find an open area to stop, and turn on all lights for warning. Prevention is crucial—I go for maintenance every six months to check the brake system and tires. Safety comes first, don't neglect regular maintenance carelessly; these small things can save lives.
