What should you do if your brakes fail while driving?

When faced with a brake failure while driving, the best course of action involves both shifting into neutral and coasting to a stop, and using the emergency brake gradually.

Shifting into neutral allows the vehicle to slow down without the engine resisting the motion, which can help you regain control and assess the situation. Coasting to a stop gives you time to find a safe area to pull over without panic.

Using the emergency brake is essential as it is designed to bring a vehicle to a stop when the regular brakes are not functioning properly. However, it’s crucial to apply the emergency brake gradually. Applying it too abruptly can cause the rear wheels to lock up, potentially leading to a loss of control and increasing the risk of a skidding accident.

Both actions together create a comprehensive strategy for dealing with brake failure, allowing for the safest possible outcome in a very dangerous situation.