How To Stop Your Vehicle If Your Brakes Fail

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If you try to stop your vehicle while driving, and your brake pedal goes to the floor without slowing your vehicle at all, you will need to think quickly in getting your vehicle safely off the roadway. Brake failures are not all that common, but when they do arise, you need to be quick with your wits and maneuvering skills. Knowing how to react if your vehicle has a brake failure can save your vehicle from damage and you from injury. Here are some ways to get your vehicle to safety if your brakes fail.

Use Your Emergency Brake

Every vehicle comes equipped with a back-up braking system to use for when your primary brakes are not adequate in stopping your vehicle. Many people use the emergency brake when parking on a hill as extra reassurance their vehicle will not roll from the area. The emergency brake is located either on the left of the driver's seat, on the floor board or lower dashboard panel area, or in the middle console area. To use it properly, pull it slowly so the vehicle does not spin out from having the tires stop instantly. As the vehicle slows, continue pulling in a steady motion until you bring your vehicle to a complete stop.

Pump Your Brakes

The brake fluid in your vehicle should be changed out completely once a year so it does not gather moisture within the brake lines, altering the composition of the fluid as a result. For your brakes to work, the brake fluid needs to be directed toward them so lubrication helps with stopping properly. If there is a bubble inside your brake line, the fluid cannot get toward the brakes when you press on the brake pedal. 

To get the fluid moving within the line, pump your brake quickly by pressing it down, releasing and pressing it down again. Repeat three or four times to push the brake fluid through the lines. If you have anti-lock braking system, push down on the brake and wait until you feel resistance before releasing your foot from the pedal. The computer will now take over in pumping the brakes.

Move To The Shoulder

If you are unable to get your vehicle to stop at all, take your foot off the gas pedal so it will begin slowing down on its own. Drive to the side of the shoulder so you are not in the way of oncoming traffic. If it is daytime, put your four-way flashers on to alert other motorists you are having difficulty. The gravel or grassy spots on the shoulder will help to slow your vehicle. Try driving to a spot with an incline if possible, as your vehicle will not be able to climb it without pressing the gas, allowing the vehicle to slow down as a result. Then, get your car immediately to an auto service shop, such as Oak Hollow Tire Car Care Center Inc, to have it repaired.

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