How to Stop a Car with Failed Brakes - Emergency Brake Procedure

Follow these safeguards if your car’s brakes fail while you are driving.
Brake failure is one of the scary things that can happen to a driver on the road. If you find yourself in this situation, would you know how to respond?
Fortunately, we have compiled a step-by-step guide on what to do in the event of a brake failure. Before you start, remember to keep calm and leave a cool head. Panic will only make things worse.

1. Warn road users

If your brake fails, remember to keep your head clear and calm. The panic will only make things worse. Instead, focus on getting your car off the road safely. Turn on the high beam and blow out the horn to warn drivers and road users. It should tell them something is wrong and give them a chance to respond accordingly.

2. Move down to use engine braking

If the foot brake fails, you can shift the car to a lower gear to use engine braking. This occurs when retarding forces in your engine are used to slow down a vehicle naturally. For automatic vehicles, simply move the drive from the lowest possible gear (usually labeled "1" in the gearbox). For manual cars, simply lower the gears as it normally would.
Remember not to slow down too fast as it may cause you to lose control of your vehicle.

3. Tighten your brakes

You can increase the pressure in your brake system by repeatedly pressing the brakes. If your car has an anti-braking system (ABS), simply press the pedal firmly. Your car's ABS should automatically apply the brakes for you.

For cars without ABS you will need to step on the pedal several times to increase the pressure. When the pressure is sufficient, simply press the pedal again and keep it on the floor.

4. Use your emergency brake

Another way to stop your car is to use the emergency brake (electronic brake). However, note that the electronic brake is only for the rear wheels of your car. To use the electronic shock absorber, press the brake lever release button and press the pressure slowly. Under no circumstances should you engage in high-speed driving - this will lock the wheels and lose control of your car.

5. Use the area to slow down your vehicle

When all else fails, you can use the area around you to slow down the vehicle. Here are some examples:

• Inclined ways. With the help of gravity you can slow down the vehicle significantly. Use it along with the electronic brake to stop the car.
• Handrails or barriers. Placing these obstacles can help slow down your vehicle with physical damage to your vehicle. The sidewalks are also an alternative. As you approach these obstacles, remember to hit them at an oblique angle.
• Small trees and shrubs. You can also drive your car through small trees, shrubs and shrubs to slow down your speed. Avoid big trees if possible and remember to place your vehicle in the center of these obstacles.
• Hit another car. Often used as a last resort, you can use other vehicles to stop your car. In doing so, try to hit the other car in the back. This way another driver will be easier to control your vehicle.