Did you know that the main cause of driving accidents is faulty brakes?
If you’re someone who drives a lot, like a long-distance commuter or someone who transports large quantities of items or people regularly and relies on your car brakes, you might wonder what the steps are once your brakes fail.
Luckily, we’re here to help you out and inform you of the precautions that you should take in these untoward situations so you can remain safe and secure while on the road.
Without further ado, let’s dive straight into what should you do if your brakes fail.
Don’t Panic
If your brakes fail while you are driving, don’t panic. Instead, gently apply the emergency brake and slowly come to a stop. Once you are stopped, put the car in park and turn on the hazard lights.
If you have a cell phone, call for help. If you don’t have a cell phone, flag down a passing car and ask for assistance.
Check Your Brake Fluid
The first thing you should check is your brake fluid. If the brake fluid is low, it may need to be replaced. It could also be because of a leak in the system.
You should also check the brake pads and calipers for wear. If the pads and calipers are worn, they may also need to be replaced.
Pump Your Brakes
If you have an emergency brake, you can use it to stop the car. You should pump the brakes to create friction and slow the vehicle down. It would help if you also shifted to a lower gear to help slow the car down.
It would help if you also turned on your hazard lights to warn other drivers.
Use Your Emergency Brake
If your brakes fail while driving, you should try to pump the brake pedal to build up brake pressure. If this does not work, you should downshift to a lower gear and use your emergency brake to stop slowly.
If your car has ABS, you should continue to pump the brake pedal and not use the emergency brake.
You should also try to pull off the road to a safe area and call for help if you can. If your brakes are not working, it is better to look for the best brake repair shop to prevent accidents in the future.
Pullover Safely
If you find yourself in a situation where your brakes have failed, the best thing to do is to pull over safely.
Find a flat, empty spot off the side of the road where you can stop. Once you’ve stopped, put your hazard lights on so that other drivers will be aware of your situation.
If possible, try to call for help or ask for help from someone so you can get your vehicle towed or fixed as soon as possible. In the meantime, stay inside your car and keep your seatbelt fastened. Do not try to drive without brakes, as this can be extremely dangerous.
Know What Should You Do if Your Brakes Fail
This guide should help you know what should you do if your brakes fail. You should pull over to the side of the road and call a tow truck. Do not try to fix the problem yourself.
In any case, do not panic and stay calm to avoid making the situation worse. Always remember that your safety should always be your top priority.
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