What to Do When the Service Brake Suddenly Fails While Driving at High Speed?

[LillianMarie]

When the service brake of a motor vehicle suddenly fails during high-speed driving, the driver should take the following braking measures: quickly shift to a lower gear to reduce speed and use the parking brake to assist in deceleration, but the parking brake should not be pulled tight all at once. Here is some relevant information: 1. Brakes: Brakes are used to stop the vehicle. Brakes are divided into service brakes (foot brake) and parking brakes (hand brake). 2. Use of brakes: During driving, the service brake (foot brake) is generally used to slow down or stop the vehicle while moving forward. It is not only used to keep the vehicle stationary. The parking brake is used only when the service brake fails. Once the vehicle comes to a complete stop, the parking brake (hand brake) should be applied to prevent the vehicle from sliding forward or rolling backward.

[AllisonRose]

Once on the highway, I suddenly felt no response when pressing the brake pedal, and my whole body tensed up. But I immediately reminded myself not to panic. First, I released the accelerator to let the car slow down at a steady speed, then manually downshifted—for example, from a high gear to a low gear—using the engine's resistance to control the speed. I remember gently pulling the handbrake to assist in slowing down, being careful not to pull too hard to avoid the car fishtailing or losing control. At the same time, I turned on the hazard lights to alert the vehicles behind and scanned the surroundings for an emergency lane or an open area to pull over. After stopping, I shifted to neutral, engaged the handbrake, and checked the brake system, which might have failed due to a fluid leak. After the incident, it's crucial to visit a repair shop for a comprehensive inspection—safety on the highway is the top priority. Staying calm is key to resolving the crisis.

[SamanthaFitz]

With years of driving experience, I've encountered brake failure at high speeds a few times. The key is to stay calm. First, release the accelerator to let the engine slow down naturally, then manually shift down to second or first gear—the engine itself will help decelerate. Gently apply the handbrake in short bursts to assist with control, avoiding sudden pulls to prevent skidding. Turn on the hazard lights to alert nearby vehicles and gradually steer to the roadside or a safe area to stop. Sudden brake failure is often caused by hydraulic issues or overheated brake pads, but proper emergency handling can prevent accidents. Once stopped, shift to neutral and wait until the vehicle is completely stationary before exiting to inspect. Regular brake system maintenance is recommended to minimize risks.

[HarperFitz]

As a novice driver, I used to be scared when hearing about brake failure during my early driving lessons. The experienced instructor taught me: if the brakes don't respond on the highway, stop pressing them immediately and first release the accelerator to reduce throttle pressure. Quickly downshift to lower gears - for manual transmission vehicles, downshift to let the engine slow the car. Then try gently pulling the handbrake to gradually reduce speed, avoiding sudden movements that might cause skidding. Don't forget to turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers. Slowly move the vehicle to an open area to park safely. Most importantly, always check brake pads and fluid levels before each trip to prevent such emergencies.