How to safely handle a car when the brakes fail.
Brake failure is a dangerous incident when driving on the road, requiring drivers to remain calm and handle the situation safely to avoid causing accidents or damage to the vehicle.
Reasons why a car's brakes fail.
Brake failure in cars is mainly due to the following reasons:
ButBrake fluid pressure:Car brakes function thanks to internal hydraulic pressure. Therefore, if brake fluid leaks in the brake lines or cylinders, the braking system will not have enough pressure to slow down. The consequence is slow braking, or even complete brake failure.
ButAir got into the braking system.If you press the brake pedal but the brakes are weak or ineffective, air may have entered the system. Air entering the brake fluid lines causes blockages, preventing the vehicle from generating enough pressure for the brakes to function properly.
ButABS controller error:In rare cases, brake failure can occur due to a malfunctioning ABS control unit. Sometimes, a faulty ABS system can obstruct the intake/exhaust valves, causing brake failure.
ButPress the brake pedal repeatedly.The habit of continuously pressing the brake pedal for extended periods can easily cause the brake pads to burn out, leading to ineffective braking.
How to handle a car when the brakes fail.
If the brakes fail while driving, the driver should remain calm and follow these steps in order:
Stay calm.
First and foremost, the driver needs to remain calm when an incident occurs. Panic can cause the driver to mishandle the situation.
Turn on the emergency warning lights.
When noticing signs of brake failure, drivers should observe the area in front and behind the vehicle to avoid collisions. Then, they should turn on the hazard lights and flash the headlights to warn other vehicles to avoid the area, ensuring safety.
Reduce the throttle.
The most commonly recommended course of action when brakes fail is to reduce or remove the accelerator pedal. If driving in heavy traffic or downhill, drivers should not remove the accelerator pedal entirely, but simply reduce the throttle. Removing the accelerator and allowing the vehicle to coast freely can easily lead to collisions with other vehicles, resulting in serious consequences.
Do not turn off the machine.
Drivers should absolutely not turn off the engine because doing so means losing power steering. At this point, the driver will have difficulty controlling the vehicle to avoid other vehicles.
Furthermore, turning off the engine causes the vehicle to enter a state of free-wheeling due to inertia, which is very dangerous.
Shift to a lower gear.
Drivers can utilize engine braking by shifting to a lower gear. With an automatic transmission, the driver simply switches to semi-automatic mode or uses the paddle shifters on the steering wheel. With a manual transmission, the driver shifts the gear lever to first or second gear.
However, suddenly shifting to a lower gear while traveling at high speed can damage the drivetrain, potentially causing engine failure and posing an even greater danger. Therefore, experts advise against shifting to a lower gear immediately when dealing with brake failure. Instead, shift gears gradually.
Press the brake pedal repeatedly.
Try repeatedly pressing the brake pedal, as brake failure may simply be due to a temporary loss of brake fluid pressure. Repeatedly pressing the brake pedal can restore brake fluid pressure.
Use the parking brake.
Brakes are designed for use when a car comes to a complete stop. However, in an emergency, the parking brake can be used to apply braking force. Note that the parking brake should only be used when the car is traveling at low speeds. Using the parking brake at high speeds can cause the wheels to lock, resulting in loss of traction and loss of control.