What should you do if your brakes fail while driving?

When faced with brake failure while driving, it's crucial to take immediate and effective actions to regain control of the vehicle and ensure safety. The recommended procedure is to pump the brakes to build pressure, which may help restore some braking function. This technique can sometimes re-engage the brake system, especially if the failure is due to air in the brake lines or a temporary loss of pressure.

Simultaneously, shifting to a lower gear allows the engine to assist in slowing down the vehicle, which is known as engine braking. This method can significantly reduce speed without relying solely on the brakes. While doing this, it's vital to assess the surroundings and identify a safe path to either pull over or avoid obstacles, ensuring that the driver can respond appropriately to the situation ahead.

This approach prioritizes vehicle control and gradually brings the vehicle to a halt, minimizing the risk of an accident. In contrast, simply relying on the emergency brake without considering the impact it could have on the vehicle’s stability, or speeding up in hopes of finding a safer area, can lead to dangerous consequences. These alternative actions are less effective in managing brake failure and increase the risk of losing control of the vehicle.