What to Do if Your Brakes Fail

Your car’s brakes are one of the most imperative parts of your vehicle and safety. If not properly maintained on a regular basis, your brakes could fail, resulting in a shocking and potentially dangerous experience. While we hope this never happens, preparing yourself for such a situation can help you, your passengers, and other drivers stay safe.

7 Tips to Remember if Your Brakes Fail

First, don't panic! Staying calm will help you to remember and follow the steps below in order to safely stop your vehicle.

1. Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel with both hands and take your foot off the gas pedal.
2. Turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers to steer clear.
3. If you have a manual transmission, start slowly downshifting so the engine can brake for you. If you downshift too quickly, the car may begin to skid just when you need to maintain as much control as necessary.
4. Pump your brakes hard and fast. In cars without anti-lock brakes (ABS), this can temporarily build up pressure in your brake lines. In cars with dual braking systems, it may trigger the other braking system to step in.
5. If your brakes still aren't working, start carefully applying the emergency brake. Doing this slowly will help you maintain control.
6. Drive into the least hazardous area you can find, using friction to help you slow down. Mud, dirt, sand, bushes, or tall grass will all help slow your vehicle.
7. Pull off the road as safely as possible. Use your turn signals and watch out for other vehicles.

Once you have successfully come to a stop, call for help. At Custom Complete Automotive, we provide towing services to get you and your car off the road and into one of our repair shops as quickly as possible.

Keep Your Brakes in Good Condition at Custom Complete Automotive

At Custom Complete Automotive, our certified brake technicians will ensure that your brakes are in perfect working order to keep you, your passengers, and other drivers as safe as possible. To learn more about our brake repair services, or to schedule a brake inspection, repair, or replacement at one of our locations, contact us today!