What do I do if my Brakes Stop Working While Im Driving?
While occasional reports are heard in the news of brake failure in a car currently being operated, drivers can rest assured that this failure in a car that is in good working condition is extremely rare. Auto manufacturers for quite some time have taken risks such as these into account, and modern cars are built such that threats are insignificant. As with many things that can potentially go wrong with your vehicle, the main realm in which you can exercise control is that of prevention. By having your auto inspected at the appropriate times and taking it to a mechanic when you notice anything going wrong, you will go a long way in preventing an emergency with your brakes when dealing with aggressive motorists.
An important thing to know concerning your car is how its brake system actually works. Your brakes work as they are intended to when there is fluid in the hydraulic pipes. Normally, the only time you would experience a sudden problem is if a leak has occurred. When this is the case, you will usually feel that your brakes are working more "softly" than normal, meaning it can take you a longer time to stop once you have depressed the brake..
First Signs of a Problem
If you are approaching a necessary stop and find yourself needing to press your brake longer than normal to effect a stop, the situation can be frightening. When this has occurred, it is important to note that you cannot rely on your vehicle to get you safely home or to a mechanic, even if you can get it to successfully stop when you first notice the problem. In light of any such problem with your brakes, you are strongly advised to (if you can) steer your car safely off the road, park it immediately, and call a repair shop to come to you. When there has been a leak of hydraulic fluid, the functionality of your brakes can be very limited.
A good way to ensure that you do not find yourself on the crowded roadways having to deal with a problem similar to this one involves checking your brakes. You can test them before your car has even begun moving, while you are still parked in your driveway at home. You can press the brake to make certain you still feel resistance. You can also, as you start backing out of your driveway, softly pump your brakes a few times to ensure you feel your car responding appropriately.
In Case of Emergency
If your brakes stop working while you are driving, there are a few things you can do to come safely to a stop, all of which begin with staying calm and assessing your surroundings. One thing that you can do it to utilise your emergency brake, though you must be extremely cautious in how you do so. For an emergency brake that uses a floor pedal, you will need to operate it and the brake release handle at the same time to prevent your wheels from entirely locking up. This is a risk with emergency brakes, as well as with one of your other emergency options: cutting your engine.
When your brakes stop working, you are either going to rely on your emergency brake or cut your engine off altogether, you should try first to gradually lose as much speed as you can, and to make certain that you are on a straight path. This becomes particularly important when you choose to cut your engine. Your power steering will typically lock as soon as your engine stops, leaving you no way to steer.