- Don’t Panic
- Carefully Try to Engage the Brakes Again
- Slowly Engage the Emergency Brake
- Downshift if Possible
- Turn On Your Hazard Lights and Move Slowly Towards the Edge Lanes
We never think it’s going to happen to us. The reality is it can happen to anyone, at any time: brake malfunction. If you experience a brake system malfunction while on the road, we recommend you take these steps.
Always do a general check before a long drive
Prevention is your best bet against a worst-case scenario. Doing a routine inspection on all the basic functions of your car before a long drive will significantly lower your chances of a brake malfunction.
Check your tires, steering capabilities, fluids, and brake pads. If any one of these is inadequate or needs replacement, perform the necessary repairs before your drive.
Don’t Panic
If the unexpected happens, don’t panic. Instead, take a few deep breaths and think slowly and clearly. What’s my next step? What CAN I do?
Carefully Try to Engage the Brakes Again
Lightly press on the brakes. If you feel little to no effect as your brake pedal touches the floor, release the gas pedal and allow your car to slow down.
Slowly Engage the Emergency Brake
Do not pull your emergency brake. It can potentially put you in a harder situation. Instead, lightly engage the emergency brake and slow down at a regular pace. This will prevent your car from skidding.
Downshift if Possible
If you have a manual transmission, you have an engine brake. These brakes will automatically turn on if your speed is too high for your current gear. Similar to the emergency brake, the engine brake should be applied slowly for greater efficiency.
Turn On Your Hazard Lights and Move Slowly Towards the Edge Lanes
As you slow down, make sure to make your way to either the leftmost or the rightmost lane. Usually, you’ll find an emergency bay made for instances like this, where you can flag down help or call for emergency services.
Conclusion
Prevention will always be better than all of the safety and survival tips you’ve read throughout the years. Here at R1, we make sure the products we provide are safe, high-quality, and reliable.
If you find yourself with broken or malfunctioning brakes, remember to keep your cool and think. A calm driver is a critical driver. Panicking and pulling out all the emergency brakes might put you in a tighter spot than you’d want to be in.