Five Essential Tips for Surviving Brake Failure While
Guest post by Bradley Daniels
Brake failure can lead to accidents resulting in injuries or even fatalities. Imagine a scenario whereby you’re cruising down the highway, bopping your head to your favorite tunes, focusing on your destination, then suddenly, as you approach a traffic jam or a road bump, you step on the brake pedal, but nothing happens. Naturally, panic sets in, as this is a terrifying scenario that no driver ever expects to face.
However, it's crucial not to succumb to panic, as there are several effective ways to handle this situation and ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road.
Tip 1: Draw Attention to Your Vehicle
Every second counts when you find yourself in the alarming situation of brake failure. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that you swiftly communicate the issue to the drivers and pedestrians around you.
First, turn on your hazard lights.
These blinking lights serve as a universal signal for danger on the road. By activating your hazard lights, you create a visual warning that something is wrong with your vehicle, prompting others to exercise caution and adjust their driving accordingly.
In heavy traffic or noisy environments, honking the horn repeatedly helps to amplify the urgency of the situation and ensures that your presence on the road is noticed. This immediate audio warning can prompt others to become more attentive, giving you the necessary space and time to maneuver your vehicle safely.
Hazard lights and the horn serve as powerful visual and auditory cues that create a multi-sensory signal that is hard to ignore. As a result, other drivers are more likely to react promptly, adjusting their speed, maintaining a safe distance, or even changing lanes to avoid a potential collision with your vehicle.
Tip 2: Utilize Tyre Friction
Friction is the best friend of brakes, even in the absence of functional brakes. While it may seem counterintuitive, there are several techniques you can employ to leverage the friction between your tires and the road surface to help slow down your vehicle.
One effective method is maneuvering your car in a zigzag pattern. By gently steering left and right in an alternating fashion, you increase the contact area between the tires and the road, enhancing friction and gradually reducing your car’s speed.
However, exercising caution and maintaining awareness of your surroundings while executing this technique is crucial, ensuring you don't inadvertently collide with other vehicles or objects.
Another technique to consider when there is a guardrail along the road is driving carefully against it. By lightly pressing your vehicle's side against the guardrail, you create additional friction that aids in slowing down the car. This method can be particularly effective when the guardrail extends considerably, providing a controlled surface for your tires to interact with.
However, it's important to exercise extreme caution while employing this technique, as forcefully driving against the guardrail or losing control of the vehicle can result in further damage or accidents.
In desperate circumstances where no other options are available, you may have to make a difficult decision to drive over small plants and shrubs on the side of the road. While it is certainly not ideal for the condition of your vehicle, prioritizing your life and the lives of others over the potential damage to the car becomes paramount. Plants and shrubs can provide some resistance and contribute to slowing down the vehicle, offering a last-ditch effort to regain control and minimize the risks associated with brake failure.
Tip 3: Activate the Emergency Brake
Vehicles are equipped with two braking systems: the primary foot brake and the secondary emergency brake, also known as the handbrake or e-brake. In the event of a main brake failure, you can use the emergency brake, although it might not have sufficient force to bring the car to a complete stop.
Apply the emergency brake slowly and carefully, as a rapid application could cause the rear brakes to lock up, resulting in an uncontrolled spin.
Tip 4: Downshift
If your car has a manual transmission, downshifting can be an effective technique to slow down. Begin shifting to lower gears gradually, a process known as engine braking. Increasing the revolutions per minute (RPMs) creates more torque and resistance within the transmission, reducing power and speed.
However, avoid downshifting too quickly, as it may cause the rear wheels to slow down abruptly, leading to a spin. Manual downshifting to first gear can achieve a similar effect for automatic vehicles equipped with Tiptronic transmissions.
Tip 5: Head for Uphill Terrain
When attempting to slow down, search for an incline or hill that can assist in deceleration. Whether it's an on-ramp, a hilly street, or a designated run-off area, even a slight upward slope, you can achieve the gravitational force needed to bring your vehicle to a complete stop. But even if you manage to restore the functionality of your brakes temporarily, it is not safe to continue driving.
Common Causes of Brake Failure and Maintenance Tips
Car owners must be vigilant and address potential brake issues promptly. The following are indicators that a car might be experiencing brake failure, as identified by experts:
Overheating Brake Pads: Excessive use can cause brake pads to overheat and become hard or brittle, reducing their ability to grip the wheel rotor disk effectively. This condition increases the stopping distance required.
Damaged Rotor Disks: Regularly inspecting and maintaining rotor disks is crucial, as any scoring or damage to them can diminish the longevity of brake pads and pose difficulties in stopping.
When you replace brake pads, it is advisable to engage the services of a skilled mechanic who can proficiently smooth or "turn" the rotor disks to ensure optimal performance.
Leaking Hydraulic Fluid: Leaks from the engine or brake lines can compromise stopping power. If you notice difficulties in stopping, have your brakes inspected to eliminate any contamination from hydraulic leaks.
Driving through Mud or Water: When traversing muddy or waterlogged terrain, it's important to be aware that the friction between brake pads and rotor disks may momentarily decrease. To address this, lightly tapping the brakes can aid in eliminating excessive water and reinstating the appropriate level of friction. It's crucial to exercise caution when encountering wet conditions, particularly if the wheels are partially submerged.
Loss of Hydraulic Brake Fluid Pressure: Reduced hydraulic brake fluid pressure impairs quick-stopping ability. If your brakes are not working or perform modestly, tap the brakes multiple times to force fluid throughout the brake system. This technique should only be used as a last resort. Have a certified brake specialist inspect your system for leaks and refill the fluid reservoir.
Overloading Your Vehicle: Overloading your vehicle affects its ability to stop and can potentially damage the braking system. Adhere to the recommended load capacity stated in the owner's manual. Remove any unnecessary items and avoid exceeding your vehicle's weight limit. Consider the weight of aftermarket products before installation, as they may be heavier than the original equipment, impacting braking performance.
Be Attentive to Warning Signs: Unusual noises, abnormal brake responses, or unusual sensations when applying the brakes may indicate a dangerous problem. Have your brakes checked promptly by a professional.
Additionally, there are proactive steps you can take to preserve your brakes and ensure their optimal performance:
Coasting to Slow Down: Whenever possible, coast to slow down before applying the brakes, reducing pressure on them and extending their lifespan.
Maintain a Safe Distance: Avoid unnecessary braking caused by cars ahead braking abruptly. Instead, keep a significant distance from the vehicle in front of you, allowing ample space for coasting and minimizing brake usage.
Invest in Quality Brakes: Opt for reliable, high-quality brakes. While they may be slightly more expensive, they offer improved efficiency, safety and durability in the long run.
Get your brakes inspected regularly: Make sure to get your brakes inspected regularly and replace your brake pads as needed. Neglecting your brakes can lead to decreased stopping power and even brake failure, putting you and your passengers at risk.
And, if you're considering purchasing a used car, inspect the brakes thoroughly before deciding to take over a car loan.
Control Speed: Excessive speed places additional strain on your vehicle's braking system. Adhere to speed limits set by road safety agencies to reduce energy consumption and minimize wear on brakes, tires and other vehicle components.
Conclusion
Experiencing brake failure while driving is undoubtedly a frightening situation, but with the right knowledge and preparedness, you can navigate this emergency effectively. In addition, you increase the chances of surviving such an ordeal by promptly alerting others, utilizing available means to slow down and employing alternative braking techniques.
Remember to prioritize your safety and the safety of others on the road. For example, regular brake maintenance and attentiveness to warning signs are vital in preventing brake failure incidents. Implementing these tips and adopting safe driving practices will help ensure a secure and enjoyable driving experience for everyone on the road.
Content Disclaimer
Information expressed here are the views and opinions of the author. The content here is for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent the views or endorsement by SensibleDriver.com.