How can you warn other drivers that your vehicle is experiencing a brake failure?
Honk your horn and activate your emergency flashers (hazard lights) to alert other drivers of the danger.
What should you be looking for as you try to slow the vehicle down?
Search for a safe place to pull off the road, such as a shoulder, an open field, or a designated runaway truck ramp if available.
What is the first and most critical action to take if you suspect your brakes have failed?
Quickly pump the brake pedal several times. This can help build up enough fluid pressure to slow or stop the vehicle.
If pumping the brakes does not work, what is your next course of action?
Use the parking brake (also known as the emergency brake). Apply it slowly and steadily to avoid locking the rear wheels and causing a skid.
What is an additional method you can use to slow your vehicle during a brake failure, especially on a downhill grade?
Shift to a lower gear (e.g., from 'D' to 'L', or from 4th to 3rd). This uses the engine's resistance (engine braking) to help slow the car down.
What is the tell-tale sign of a complete brake failure?
The brake pedal feels spongy or goes all the way to the floor with little to no resistance when you press it.
My car has Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS). Should I still pump the pedal if the brakes fail completely?
Yes. If the pedal sinks to the floor, it indicates a total loss of hydraulic pressure, and the ABS system cannot function anyway. Pumping the pedal is an attempt to build any remaining pressure.
Should you turn off the engine to help stop the car during a brake failure?
No. Do not turn off the engine until the vehicle has come to a complete stop. Turning it off while moving will disable power steering, making the car much harder to control. It can also cause the steering wheel to lock.
What is the final step after you have safely stopped the car following a brake failure?
Do not attempt to drive the vehicle again. Put it in park, turn off the engine, and call for a tow truck to take it to a repair shop.
When using the parking brake in an emergency, what is the risk of applying it too quickly or forcefully?
You can cause the rear wheels to lock up, which will likely result in a skid that is difficult to control, especially at higher speeds.
In an automatic transmission vehicle, how do you shift to a lower gear for engine braking?
Move the gear selector from Drive ('D') to a lower gear, such as 'L' (Low), '1', or '2'. Do this one gear at a time to avoid damaging the engine or transmission.
