Immediate Actions To Take When Your Car Brake Fails On The Highway

It is advisable for every driver to know what to do when the car he or she drives fails while driving. Usually, some drivers panick and end up losing their lives through accident. Experiencing brake failure while driving can be a scary and potentially dangerous situation, especially at high speeds. Staying calm and taking immediate actions can help avoid accidents and injuries. Remember to use your surroundings to your advantage, signal and steer the car to the side of the road, and seek help from a professional mechanic.

Immediate Actions To Take When Your Car Brake Fails On The Highway

This article will show you what to do when the brake of your car stops on the highway.

Stay calm and alert

The first thing to do if you experience a brake failure while driving is to stay calm and alert. Panicking and losing control of the vehicle can lead to further complications. Take a deep breath and focus on the road ahead.

Try the Brakes Again

The first thing to do when you realize your brakes have failed is to try them again. Press the brake pedal repeatedly to see if there is any response. Sometimes, brakes may temporarily fail due to a malfunctioning brake booster, which could be fixed by pumping the pedal a few times.

Shift to a lower gear

If you are driving a manual transmission car, shifting to a lower gear can help slow down the car. This is because the engine will slow down the car, which can help you avoid a collision or safely maneuver to the side of the road.

Use emergency brake

The emergency brake or parking brake can also be used to slow down the car. Pull up the emergency brake slowly and steadily, as pulling it too quickly can lead to the car skidding or losing control. However, note that using the emergency brake for an extended period can cause damage to the car’s rear wheels.

Pump the brakes

In some cases, the brake failure may be temporary, and pumping the brakes can help build up enough pressure to stop the car. Press the brake pedal repeatedly, but do not press too hard, as this can cause the brakes to lock up and the car to skid.

Use surroundings

If you are driving on a busy road or highway, try to use the surroundings to your advantage. Look for a soft patch of ground, sand, or a grassy area to slow down the car by driving onto it. Also, try to avoid hitting other vehicles or objects on the road.

Signal and steer to the side of the road

If none of the above actions work, it’s time to signal and steer the car to the side of the road. Use your hazard lights to signal to other drivers that you are having an emergency, and slowly steer the car to the side of the road. If possible, try to park on the side of the road and turn off the engine.

Look for an Escape Route

While you’re trying to slow down your vehicle, look for an escape route. Keep an eye out for a clear, open space where you can steer your car without colliding with any obstacle. If you’re driving on a highway or a busy road, try to steer your vehicle towards the shoulder and stop there.

Alert Other Drivers

If your brakes fail while driving, your first priority is to alert other drivers on the road. Turn on your hazard lights to signal that something is wrong with your vehicle. Use your horn to alert other drivers of your presence. Try to signal your intentions to other drivers, so they can avoid getting too close to your car.

Brace for Impact

If you’re unable to stop your car and are heading towards an obstacle, brace for impact. Position yourself in the seat with both feet flat on the floor and your hands on the steering wheel. Stay calm and focused, and try to minimize the impact by hitting the obstacle at an angle.

READ: US Visa Fees To Increase For Nonimmigrant Visas On May 30

Seek help

Once you have safely parked the car, seek help. Call your mechanic or a tow truck to take the car to the nearest service station. Do not try to drive the car again until the brakes have been inspected and repaired.