Dos and Don’ts in a Brake Fail Scenario: a Comprehensive Guide

For better or worse, driving a vehicle is a rush of adrenaline for many people. We have become used to the comfort that comes with driving a fast car. It determines, in many ways, the pace of our active life. However, we are so familiar with the car that we forget how dangerous the road can be for us.

However, harsh reality often snaps you back into the cold when all of a sudden; you put your feet on the brake pedal only to realize that it’s not working. Here, the driving instructors of Liverpool present a comprehensive guide for the newbie drivers about what to do in case a brake fails when you’re mobile. 

Nevertheless, before that, here are the things that you should not do: 

Do Not Go Into Panic Mode

The next few moments will determine the course of your car as well as your life, and also of those around you, so you should try to stay as clear-headed as possible. Take a deep breath and try to keep calm.  

Don’t Be Too Quick to Downshift

The first instinct will be to downshift your car to a lower gear. But we prescribe that you should avoid doing that at all costs and try to slow down as slowly as possible. A sudden shift from 4th gear to 1st will make you skid out of control and increase the chance of an accident. 

Do Not Turn the Car Off

This could also cause skidding. Moreover, you won’t have any control over your vehicle since turning it off will disable power steering entirely. The steering wheel itself will be locked, giving you no room for mitigating the crisis.

Do Not Push the Emergency Brake Too Soon

Applying the emergency brake will be your imperative, but you should not go for it just yet. First, you need to downshift and pump the brake pedal slowly enough that you have control over the car. If you pull the emergency brake too aggressively or too soon, chances are you will lose control over the situation.

Now, let us look at the things you should do when brakes fail, according to the driving school in Liverpool. 

Take Your Foot Off the Accelerator

That’s pretty much given, and every novice driver should know that. Accelerating a vehicle whose brakes don’t work will only make things worse for you.

Turn on the Hazard Lights

This you should do if, and only if, you have enough time and the path is relatively clear of traffic. The mentors of every quality driving school in Liverpool would tell you to turn on the lights to warn the traffic around you. Even if they fail to understand the gravity of the situation, they’ll know its better to steer clear of you. 

Downshift Slowly:If you have cruise control in your car, turn it off, and downshift gradually to decrease speed. 

Come Down Hard and Fast on the Brake Pedal

Most vehicles these days have dual brakes that work independently for both the back and the front brakes. If you pressurize it aggressively enough, maybe you can engage one of them to slow your vehicle to a halt. 

Apply the Emergency Brake Cautiously: The emergency brake will not bring the car to a halt but will slow it down enough to ensure your safety. Push it carefully to stay in control of your vehicle. 

Steer Yourself to the Side of the Road

Steer your car to safety as soon as the pace slows down. Coming to a halt may be a relief, but you don’t want to stop your vehicle in the middle of a highway. 

And here’s the verdict:

The first instinct is to keep a clear head. Keep calm, follow the steps carefully and ensure your safety on the road. Take the driving lessons of Liverpool to get a better grip on the steering wheel. Safe driving!