The brakes have failed! How to react in such a situation?

One of the most unpleasant, unpredictable and dangerous situations for a driver imaginable is brake failure. In such a complex situation, it is difficult for an unprepared driver to keep his or her composure.

Remember that a car with failed brakes creates an emergency situation on the road and the situation changes in seconds. Only an instant and most importantly, the right reaction will help save your life and your vehicle.

So what should a driver do if the brakes on a car suddenly fail?

Don't panic
Calmly assess the situation on the road. Activate the emergency signal to warn other road users. Try to plot the safest route and do not make sudden manoeuvres. Warn your companions to be ready for an emergency stop.

Check under the pedal The most trivial and easily fixable cause is an object that has fallen under the brake pedal. A bottle or can can easily roll under the brake pedal and lead to catastrophic consequences. Try to get the object out yourself by pushing it out with your foot, or rather ask your companion to help. The main thing in this situation is de not lose control of the road.

The pedal does not work
The braking system is split into two circuits, so even if one doesn't work, chances are the second is intact. If the brake doesn't respond immediately, keep pushing on the pedal, alternating releasing with pushing to increase the pressure in the system.

What to do if the brakes fail?

Switching gears
If you have a car with manual gears (and no need for emergency braking), shift smoothly to first - that way you can stop using the engine. It's important not to make sudden movements here, and to shift immediately from high gear into second or first. This will almost certainly damage the gearbox. In the worst case, the car could skid and you could lose steering, which, with the brakes failing, is likely to have severe consequences.

If the car is an automatic, switch to manual mode and do as described above. If you don't have manual mode, move the lever to "1" or "L" (range limits may be indicated differently).
How to stop smoothly on an icy road

If the situation is critical and there's no time to gradually reduce speed, you can shift through one gear or even engage first immediately. Such braking will be less pleasant for both you and the vehicle, but it could save someone's life.

Use the environment
When a collision is unavoidable, it's important to choose something that can help you stop. A dangerous method that should only be used as a last resort, however, could save your life and the lives of others.

If the situation permits, slow down by pulling off to the side of the road, on the bank. Be careful, this may change the trajectory of the vehicle.

If an emergency stop is needed, roadside brush or drifts in winter will help mitigate the stop.

If a collision on the road is the only way out, try to choose a car that is moving in the same direction as you at the same speed. A truck is best, but a direct impact of your bumper into the bumper of the car in front will also save you from more serious consequences.

Do not switch off the engine
This decision may seem natural, but in this case you should not give in to emotions. Shutting off the engine locks out many of the car's key systems, including the power steering. An unmanageable car with broken brakes is not the result you want to get.