What to Do When the Service Brake Fails While Driving Downhill?
2 Answers
When the service brake fails while driving downhill, you can use engine braking to slow down the vehicle until it comes to a complete stop. More knowledge about service brakes is as follows: 1. Service brakes usually refer to the foot brake or handbrake of a car, commonly known as the brake. Brakes are divided into service brakes (generally foot brakes in cars) and parking brakes (generally handbrakes in cars). Bicycles, motorcycles, and other two-wheeled vehicles typically only have service brakes (i.e., both foot and hand brakes are service brakes) and do not have parking brakes. 2. They can be divided into the following three categories: Band brakes. The brake band surrounds the brake drum radially to generate braking torque; Block brakes. Two symmetrically arranged brake shoes press radially against the brake drum to generate braking torque; Disc and cone brakes. Friction pads, discs, and conical metal plates are pressed together axially to generate braking torque. Disc brakes.
Last time I encountered this situation on a mountain road! The brakes suddenly failed while going downhill, which really scared me. My first reaction was to grip the steering wheel tightly and stay calm. I quickly shifted the automatic transmission to L gear, or for a manual, downshifted continuously to let the engine slow the car down. At the same time, I tried gently pulling the handbrake, one notch at a time, making sure not to yank it hard. My eyes quickly scanned the roadside for an escape ramp, and luckily I found a gravel slope to steer onto. It's crucial not to jerk the steering wheel at this point, as skidding tires would make things worse. Later, the mechanic found that the brake fluid had leaked out completely. He advised checking the brake lines and pads before tackling long descents. Now, I always double-check these before heading into the mountains.
