How to handle a car that suddenly accelerates.
(Baonghean.vn) - The phenomenon of sudden acceleration, also known as "runaway car" - is something that all drivers fear; however, by calmly handling the situation following these steps, you can avoid danger.
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1. Press the brake pedal firmly.
Without hesitation, as soon as the car experiences a sudden acceleration, you need to press the brake pedal firmly to slow it down. Don't tap or lightly apply the brakes, as this will cause the brake pads to overheat and make it difficult to control the vehicle's speed. Use your full force to press the brake pedal firmly because the engine is still running high, so a corresponding amount of force is needed to slow the car down.
If using one foot to brake isn't enough, use both feet. Note that pressing the brake pedal hard like that can cause the car to swerve, so you need to keep a firm grip on the steering wheel to avoid hitting obstacles on the road.
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2.Quickly shift to neutral/clutch disengagement.
The next step is to prevent the engine from transmitting power to the drive wheels. In an automatic car, you need to quickly shift to neutral ("N"). If the accelerator pedal is stuck, the engine will reach extremely high RPMs and make noise.
Don't worry about the engine failing, as the car's computer has a system that automatically limits the engine speed when the RPM gets too high. Shifting to neutral (N) will prevent the engine from transmitting power to the wheels, but the power steering and power brakes will continue to function normally, allowing you to control the vehicle more easily.
Meanwhile, with a manual transmission, things are much simpler; you just press the clutch and the car will slow down.
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3.Turn off the machine immediately if possible.
Essentially, after completing the two steps above, you've escaped the dangerous situation. However, for maximum safety, you should completely turn off the engine by holding the Start/Stop button for 3 seconds on modern vehicles, or by turning off the ignition. Note that when the engine is turned off, the power brake will be deactivated, making the brake pedal heavier.
To ensure maximum safety, you need to pull over to the side of the road and absolutely not drive until the cause of the stuck throttle has been identified and resolved.
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