What to Do When the Brakes Fail in an Automatic Transmission Car?
4 Answers
When the brakes fail in an automatic transmission car, it's crucial not to panic. First, turn on the hazard lights to alert other vehicles and avoid traffic accidents. Then, use the following methods to brake: 1. After the brakes fail in an automatic transmission car, you can use the handbrake for braking. Note that you should first release the accelerator pedal, then slowly pull up the handbrake until it's fully engaged to activate the braking effect. 2. Some brake failures are intermittent, so you can repeatedly press the brake pedal at this time to restore the vehicle's braking ability. 3. If the car is equipped with a manual-automatic transmission, you can shift to the M gear (manual mode) and then downshift to brake.
If I encounter a brake failure in an automatic transmission car, my first reaction is not to panic. Quickly shift the gear lever to L (Low) mode or the lowest gear to let engine braking help slow down the car, then immediately turn on the hazard warning lights to alert others that there's a problem with the vehicle. Next, try gently pulling the electronic parking brake or traditional handbrake—avoid yanking it suddenly to prevent skidding or loss of control—while steadily steering the wheel toward the roadside. Find a safe spot to stop, such as a hard shoulder or open area, then turn off the engine before calling for repairs or roadside assistance. Regular brake maintenance is crucial, like checking brake fluid levels and inspecting pipelines for leaks, otherwise dealing with such a situation can be really tough.
The most dangerous thing about losing brakes in an automatic transmission is panicking. From my driving experience, immediately downshifting is key: switch to manual mode and shift to a lower gear like M1, and the engine resistance will help slow the car down. Don't forget to turn on the hazard lights so others can see and avoid you. If you're on a mountain road or a downhill slope, look for an opportunity to scrape against the roadside guardrail for buffering, but avoid crashing into it forcefully. After stopping safely, don't turn off the engine—keep it running for easier repositioning. For prevention, I always advise everyone to regularly replace brake pads and discs and check the braking system before every long trip. Staying calm in an emergency can often turn danger into safety, and thinking about contingency plans in advance can reduce panic.
I think modern automatic transmission cars have quite a few clever tricks. If the brakes fail, activate the hill descent control (if the model has it), or switch to manual mode and downshift continuously to slow down. Don't press the accelerator randomly, open the window to listen for sounds to diagnose the problem. At the same time, turn on the hazard lights and use navigation to find a flat area to stop. Usually, installing ABS or auxiliary systems is quite useful for prevention. Remember to pull the handbrake slowly to avoid losing control.
