What should you do if your brakes fail while driving?

If your brakes fail while driving, pumping the brakes can help generate hydraulic pressure in the brake system, which might restore limited braking ability temporarily. Shifting to a lower gear also aids in slowing the vehicle down by using engine braking, which is particularly useful if your brakes are not functioning properly. This combination can provide more control over the vehicle and help bring it to a stop safely, reducing the risk of a collision.

Turning off the engine immediately may cause a loss of power steering and power brakes, making the situation more difficult to manage. It could also lead to a complete loss of vehicle control since the car would not be able to slow down comfortably. Pulling the handbrake (or emergency brake) slowly can be effective, but it’s crucial to manage this carefully to avoid locking up the rear wheels, which can lead to skidding. Steering into an open area is an instinctive response that may help avoid a collision, but without first attempting to gain control of the braking system, it may not address the immediate need to slow the vehicle down.