by Nathan Michael - Posted 3 years ago
You can go your entire driving life and never have your
brakes fail. But on the off-chance that they do, you’re going to want to know
how to handle the situation calmly.
Here are some steps you can take to bring your vehicle to
a stop without getting into a serious crash.
Don’t
panic. Do not shut the engine off. If you do, you will lose
your power steering. As soon as you notice signs of brake failure, take your
foot off the gas pedal. Try and move into the right lane and then work your way
toward the shoulder of the road. Shifting into a lower gear allows the engine
to slow the car down.
Pump
the brakes. By pumping the brakes, you may be able to
build some pressure back up to help you stop the car. Once you have pumped the
brakes a few times, quickly squeeze the brakes to the floor. The maneuver may
bring your vehicle to a stop.
Use
the emergency brake. Depending on the make of your vehicle, you
may be able to pull the handle up or push down on the pedal. Don’t push or pull
too quickly, as your tires will lock up. If you have room to do so, sharply
steer from side to side, which will generate friction and help slow your car
down. However, don’t do this if you are in traffic.
Use
highway safety measures. If you come across a runaway truck
ramp or an incline, steer towards it as it may slow your car down. You can also
use the guardrails or cement highway dividers to break your speed as they are
designed to make contact with your wheels. Driving through dirt or gravel will
also act as a brake to slow your vehicle.
One of the most important things to keep in mind when it
comes to your brakes and safety is that proper maintenance can help keep this
from happening to you. Don’t put off having your brakes inspected or repaired.
If you have questions about your car’s proper maintenance, consult your owner’s
manual or give us a call!