How to Handle Brake Failure

Plex · Posted: Mon Nov 20, 2006 8:06 pm Post subject: How to Handle Brake Failure

Instructions
STEP 1: Size up the traffic situation and base your decisions on the whereabouts of other vehicles, intersections or steep hills.

STEP 2: Look for a safe place to steer your car and quickly downshift to low gear (this applies to both manual and automatic transmissions).

STEP 3: Build up your brake pressure by pumping the brake pedal fast and firmly. It should take three or four pumps to get the brakes to work. Don't pump anti-lock brakes -- press down hard on them instead and plan on taking longer to stop. It is normal to feel pulsation at the brake pedal if you have anti-lock brakes.

STEP 4: Use your parking brake if the pumping solution is ineffective or not recommended. Release it quickly if the car starts to skid.

STEP 5: Don't forget to steer. Swerve only if it's absolutely necessary -- doing so can cause you to lose control of the car.

STEP 6: Throw your car into reverse if all else fails. Note that this can cause serious damage to your transmission.

Tips & Warnings

Sounding your horn and flashing your headlights will warn other motorists.
Turn on your emergency flashers once you've come to a complete stop.
Try to remain calm - panicking can cause you to make mistakes.
Use a cell phone to call for roadside assistance if your brakes continue to fail. Wait in your car or another safe place until help arrives.
Get your brakes and brake hoses checked every 6 months.
A not uncommon cause of inability to brake is a soda bottle or ball rolling under the pedal: clean out under your seat!
If you have anti-lock brakes, do not pump them. Autos sold in the United States must contain fail-safe brake systems. If you have problems with your anti-lock brakes, simply press down hard and plan on waiting longer to stop.
Do not drive for any long period of time with the brake light on. Add brake fluid and go see your mechanic.

Source: http://www.ehow.com/how_5206_handle-brake-failure.html

VK-Sportsman · Zorce Jedi Apprentice Joined: 05 Nov 2005 Posts: 933

This could be a frightful experience in reality......you going down the highway......and when you apply brakes to stop at the intersection.........ooops......NO BRAKES...........HELP.........then you might panic and cause an accident.

The best way to prevent this is to get a full brake check up every 6 months just as mentioned above.
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MG Man · Posted: Thu Nov 23, 2006 5:51 am Post subject:

this happened to be already, with my old KE30 Corolla
Luckily it was a manual car, so I was able to gear down to a crawl b4 using the handbrake. I managed from POS to CUrepe cuz I cud not afford a wrecker in those days.......one more reason I love a manual car Exclamation

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Han-pablo · Rebel Zorce Ossifah Joined: 21 Jan 2006 Posts: 102

THis happend last weekend with me in the mazda. Not total brake failure, turns out the left side was down to metal and the right was extremely low Shocked

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AutoSport · Posted: Thu Nov 30, 2006 10:13 pm Post subject:

How many know that the brake fluid must be replaced annually?

A quick glance at the fluid in the brake reservoir would reveal whether the fluid is clear and still good, or very dark in colour and should be replaced.
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Plex · Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 12:08 am Post subject:

i believe i change my oil once a yr.

Sanctifier · Posted: Tue Dec 05, 2006 7:03 am Post subject:

wagonrunner · Posted: Tue Dec 05, 2006 1:49 pm Post subject:

Plex · Posted: Tue Dec 05, 2006 2:32 pm Post subject:

all ya not easy.. Laughing

MG Man · Posted: Tue Dec 05, 2006 2:40 pm Post subject:

Plex · Posted: Tue Dec 05, 2006 3:18 pm Post subject:

i feel once a yr is adequate enough.