Brake Failure: How to Stop Your Car in an Emergency
Imagine driving at speed and pressing your foot on the brake pedal only to discover that it isn't working. This is every driver's worst nightmare. Thankfully, it is a very rare event. However, that doesn't mean you shouldn't be prepared for a total brake failure when driving your car. Below is a guide to the actions you should take if your vehicle's brakes fail.
Stay calm
Although it is likely you will be filled will panic the moment you realise that the brakes have failed, it is important that you try to stay calm and keep a level head. Your actions in the next few seconds could make the difference between walking away from a damaged car and being involved in a serious auto accident. Do not be tempted to engage the parking brake. Using the parking brake at high speed could cause you to completely lose control of the vehicle.
Shift into a low gear
You should immediately start to shift down through the gears. By changing to a lower gear, you will limit how much power the engine can supply to the crankshaft, creating an engine braking effect. You may hear your engine surging as you change through the gears; this is entirely normal and is nothing to be concerned about. Once the car reaches a low speed, you can engage the parking brake.
Let your car roll to a stop
If you are driving on the open road and there aren't any junctions or obstructions ahead, you should simply continue to steer the car to keep it on the road and let it gently roll to a stop. As you will be losing speed, you should put your hazard warning lights on to warn other drivers that you are in trouble.
Run your car alongside a roadside barrier
If there are crash barriers at the side of the road, you should position your car so the side of the vehicle gently comes into contact with the barrier. You do not want to crash head-on into the barrier. You only need to scrape the side of your car along it. The friction created by the barrier will help to slow your car down until it comes to a complete stop. Your car will be badly damaged, but at least you will be unhurt.
The best way to avoid a complete break failure is to have your brakes regularly serviced by a fully qualified auto mechanical repair shop. Book your car in for a service today.
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