What should you do if your brakes fail while driving?

What should you do if your brakes fail while driving?

• A. Shift to a higher gear immediately
• B. Pump the brakes, downshift to lower gears, and use the parking brake if necessary
• C. Leave the vehicle in neutral
• D. Accelerate to get more control

Answer: (B)

If your brakes fail while driving, the most effective response is to pump the brakes, downshift to lower gears, and use the parking brake if necessary. Pumping the brakes can sometimes build up pressure in the braking system if the issue is due to a momentary loss of brake fluid pressure. It’s a quick attempt to regain braking ability. Downshifting to lower gears uses engine braking to help slow down the vehicle. This technique leverages the engine's resistance to assist in reducing speed without relying solely on brake systems. Using the parking brake can serve as a last resort, providing additional braking force to stop the vehicle. However, it should be applied gradually to avoid locking the rear wheels, which could lead to a loss of control. Overall, this combination of actions aims to maximize your ability to slow down safely and regain control of the vehicle in a brake failure situation.

If your brakes fail while driving, the most effective response is to pump the brakes, downshift to lower gears, and use the parking brake if necessary. Pumping the brakes can sometimes build up pressure in the braking system if the issue is due to a momentary loss of brake fluid pressure. It’s a quick attempt to regain braking ability.

Downshifting to lower gears uses engine braking to help slow down the vehicle. This technique leverages the engine's resistance to assist in reducing speed without relying solely on brake systems.

Using the parking brake can serve as a last resort, providing additional braking force to stop the vehicle. However, it should be applied gradually to avoid locking the rear wheels, which could lead to a loss of control.

Overall, this combination of actions aims to maximize your ability to slow down safely and regain control of the vehicle in a brake failure situation.