What to Do When Vehicle Brakes Suddenly Fail?
4 Answers
Vehicle brake suddenly fails processing method is: 1. Release the accelerator pedal; 2. Shift to manual mode and manually downshift from high gear to low gear sequentially; 3. When pulling the handbrake, hold the release button and pull the handbrake continuously without locking it; 4. After the vehicle stops, shift into park. The reasons for sudden brake failure in vehicles are: 1. Impurities in the brake master cylinder or poor sealing; 2. Vacuum booster pump failure; 3. Brake fluid is too dirty; 4. Brake master cylinder or wheel cylinder oil leakage; 5. Air leakage in the air reservoir or pipeline connections; 6. Severe overloading; 7. Brake drum carbonization; 8. Lack of brake fluid in the brake master cylinder; 9. Wear of the brake master cylinder piston.
In the event of sudden brake failure, having driven for over 30 years, I believe the most crucial thing is to stay calm and avoid panic. Immediately downshift to reduce speed—if you're using a manual transmission, shift from a higher gear to a lower one to rely on the engine's braking force to slow the car slightly. Never jerk the steering wheel or make sudden turns, as that increases the risk of losing control. Then gently apply the handbrake, avoiding pulling it all the way at once, which could cause the rear wheels to lock and lead to a skid. Simultaneously, turn on your hazard lights to warn nearby vehicles to keep their distance. Gradually guide the car to a safe roadside stop, avoiding lingering in fast lanes. After stopping, quickly inspect the brake system—check if the brake fluid level is empty or if there are any leaks. Regular maintenance is vital; I recommend checking brake pad thickness and hose conditions every six months, especially paying attention to safety precautions during highway driving. Once stopped, call for roadside assistance immediately—don’t attempt repairs yourself, as minor issues left unaddressed could escalate into major accidents.
As an ordinary car owner, experiencing brake failure recently really gave me a cold sweat. At that time on the national highway, I suddenly found the brakes unresponsive. I forced myself to take deep breaths and steady the steering wheel. The next step was to downshift to reduce speed—for manual transmissions, shift down to third or second gear to utilize engine braking for natural deceleration. Then I carefully pulled up the handbrake, gradually increasing force without being too abrupt, while turning on the hazard lights to alert vehicles behind. Finding a service area or a wide roadside to stop is the safest option. After I parked that time, I checked the brake fluid and found it had leaked significantly. Since then, I've made it a habit to inspect the braking system before every long trip. I recommend everyone perform regular brake maintenance during daily driving, such as monitoring pedal responsiveness, which can greatly reduce accidents. Safety always comes first—if issues arise, don’t hesitate to call professional towing services for assistance.
I just started driving not long ago, and the last time my brakes failed, it really scared me. The way to handle it is to stay calm and not panic, immediately downshift to slow down using engine braking, such as shifting to a lower gear in a manual transmission. Then gently pull the handbrake without applying too much force, and turn on the hazard lights to warn others. Try to steer to the side of the road for a safe stop, avoiding blocking the road. After stopping, call for roadside assistance or check the vehicle's condition. Regular maintenance is important, so check the brake system when changing the oil.
