My blog focuses on Technology. One of the most basic systems on your car is the braking system. If those go out, danger can result for everyone. The following contributed post is entitled, What to Do If Your Brakes Break.
* * *
There are very few driving experiences that are more terrifying than stepping on the brake pedal and realising nothing is happening. While brake failure is exceptionally rare, it is a serious emergency that requires quick thinking and calm action.
Knowing what to do if your brakes break could make the difference between a safe stop and a serious accident. Here’s a step by step guide on how to handle brake failure and what to do afterward.
1. Stay calm and assess the situation. The first and most important thing to do is to be calm. Panicking can lead to poor decisions like jerking the steering wheel or slamming on the accelerator. Instead, take a deep breath and quickly test your brakes again. Sometimes partial braking power remains or the issue is limited to one braking system. If you notice that your brakes are truly unresponsive, this is where you need to act fast. This is the moment you’ll also want to start planning a visit to an auto repair specialist as soon as possible. Even if you’re able to stop the vehicle safely, do not drive it again until it’s been professionally inspected and fixed.
2. Downshift to slow down. If you’re driving a vehicle with a manual transmission, begin shifting to lower gears to naturally slow the car for automatic transitions, gradually ease the shifter into a lower gear, usually marked L or 2. Downshifting uses the engine’s resistance to help to decelerate the vehicle without relying on the brakes. Avoid slamming the gear shift suddenly, as this can damage the transmission.
3. Use the emergency brake carefully. Your vehicle’s emergency brake, which is also called the parking brake, is separate from the hydraulic brake system and may still work when your main brakes fail. By applying it slowly and steadily, you can stop the car. Pulling it too quickly can cause the rear wheels to lock up, leading to a loss of control or a skid. On some cars, the emergency brake is activated by a lever or a pedal, where others may use an electronic button.
4. Steer yourself to safety. Start looking for a safe place to pull over. Use your hazard lights to alert other drivers and try to move toward the shoulder, a service lane or an empty parking lot. If you’re on highways, avoid sharp turns and don’t cut off other drivers in a panic. Your goal is to come to a stop without endangering yourself or others.
5. Use obstacles if you need to. In a last resort situation where the vehicle won’t slow down. You may have to use friction from physical obstacles to stop. Rubbing your tires against the guardrail, curb, or gravel shoulder can help to reduce your speed. While this may damage your car, it’s a safer option than continuing at high speed or risk a crash with another vehicle.
Brake failure is scary, but being prepared and knowing how to react can save lives. If this happens to you, take it seriously and prioritise your safety. Always get your braking system inspected regularly during maintenance to reduce the chance of failure.