What To Do If Your Brakes Fail

 

Every driver should know whether or not they have anti-lock brakes or regular brakes. If you have a logo that lights up whenever you start your car that says ABS then you have anti-lock brakes, if not, you have regular brakes.

If your brakes go out, you want to do three things. First, downshift to a lower gear. Second, if you have regular brakes pump the brake pedal fast and hard to build up brake fluid pressure. If the brakes haven’t started working after three or four pumps go on the step three which is use the parking brake. Gradually apply the parking brake and be prepared for the car to skid.

If none of the brakes work, put the car into a low gear and steer in a safe direction until the car completely rolls to a stop. Don’t turn the steering wheel too much but just enough to avoid obstacles. If you’re at highway speeds it may be advisable to scrap your car against the guard rail or divider using the friction to slow the car down. If you do this, come in at a shallow angle and gently rub the car against it. In order to warn other drivers that your brakes are out you can honk your horn and flash your lights

If you have anti-lock brakes, you should practice sudden stops on both dry and wet pavement in a safe off street situation. When using anti-lock brakes the rule of thumb is to press the pedal all the way to the floor. You will feel a strong vibration in the pedal which is a sign that the ABS is working properly.


Customer Reviews

Defensivedriving.com has a ShopperApproved rating of 4.7 based on 127133 ratings and reviews.

Llewella Odigie Texas, united states
It was really easy to use and navigate through!
Zina McKinney None, united states
Very easy to read.
Rochard Spencer None, united states
good
LILLIE CLARK None, united states
quick and easy
Melissa Calub None, united states
Aces
Lisa Lasater None, united states
Quick
Isaiah Weaver TX, United States
Overall good experience east website to use
sharon nale united states
super easy
cole galloway None, united states
good
Elesa RamirezGuajardo None, united states
Easy registration
Gennetta Baird None, united states
Quick and easy
Troy Montgomery Texas, united states
Simple and quick
Anna Brown united states
easy to enroll & course work is interesting to read and to watch the informative videos
Lee Muniz None, united states
good
See all reviews on shopperApproved.com
Why DefensiveDriving.com
  • 20 Years in Business
  • Over 2 Million Customers Served
  • Highest Possible Better Business Bureau Rating
  • Award Winning Course