What To Do If The Car Has Failed Brakes

2024 Author: Bailey Albertson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 12:53

How to stop a car if the brakes fail: 4 correct ways

A passenger car itself is a high-risk vehicle. Brakes are a complex system and most important to your safety. Due to the enormous load, the mechanism becomes vulnerable and can fail while driving. This critical situation requires composure and practical knowledge of the driver. The decision must be made quickly and correctly.

Using the braking system

The stopping system for reliability consists of two circuits. When it has lost its tightness or air has entered, you can pump, build up pressure and clean the air system.

To do this, press and release the brake pedal several times hard, do it in forward movements until it works. If it doesn't work, then make other decisions.

With a gearbox

The safest is to gradually downshift. This method is called differently: engine, transmission, using a gearbox. If done correctly, the effect will be obvious.

The first thing you should do is dump the gas. Everything needs to be done smoothly. Press the clutch briefly so that the engine does not lose contact with the gearbox. Watch the tachometer, the arrow should not go into the red zone. Change gears sequentially, one by one, without jerking.

In vehicles with automatic transmission, switch to manual mode or to position "1", everything is the same.

Using the handbrake

Use this method only at low speed with the wheels straight. Be very careful, turn it on smoothly, be sure to watch the wheels block, be ready to release the lever when blocking.

The handbrake works as an assistant to the engine and does it well.

With the help of an obstacle

If the first three options do not help, try to brake on some soft obstacle. The best will be a snowdrift. Bushes, bumpers, curbs can also help. Be careful, as any obstacle can drastically change the trajectory of movement. As a last resort, hit the sides of other vehicles without people that are parked on the side of the road. Cars can always be repaired, but people can die.

A solid object can roll under the pedal, which, when moving, will interfere with pressing. It is a very dangerous, unpleasant and annoying case, so do not litter the interior and always look for things that should be in their places: in cup holders, door pockets, trunk. It's good if there is a passenger nearby who can help you and get it out from under the pedal. Be careful and avoid such sad oversights.

In the event of an emergency, warn your passengers to buckle up, inform the road users using sound signals and high beam. Open doors, a sunroof, side-to-side lane changes can slow the car a little. Don't forget about steering, pull yourself together, don't panic, be ready for adjustments. Feel the car, it will understand you, and everything will be all right.

To avoid dangerous situations and prevent risks, pay attention to prevention, do not forget about regular technical inspection.

Be vigilant, take care of yourself and your car, do not risk in vain. The machine always feels cared for and responds with serviceability and reliability.