If you experience brake failure, which action sequence is recommended?

If you experience brake failure, which action sequence is recommended?

• A. Shut off the engine immediately and coast to a stop.
• B. Push the brake pedal hard and hold; do not use parking brake.
• C. Pump the brakes if possible, shift to a lower gear, use the parking brake gradually, and seek a safe stop.
• D. Continue driving and ignore the issue.

Answer: (C)

When brakes fail, you use a sequence that combines restoring and using whatever braking effect you can get. Start by pumping the brake pedal to try to rebuild hydraulic pressure; if that works, you can regain braking effectiveness. If pressure doesn’t return, shift to a lower gear to use engine braking to slow the car. Then gradually apply the parking brake to supplement braking without causing wheel lock. Keep steering smooth and look for a safe place to stop, signaling as you head toward a shoulder or other clear area. Turning off the engine immediately removes power assist and power steering, making it much harder to control the vehicle, and simply continuing to drive ignores the issue, which is unsafe.

When brakes fail, you use a sequence that combines restoring and using whatever braking effect you can get. Start by pumping the brake pedal to try to rebuild hydraulic pressure; if that works, you can regain braking effectiveness. If pressure doesn’t return, shift to a lower gear to use engine braking to slow the car. Then gradually apply the parking brake to supplement braking without causing wheel lock. Keep steering smooth and look for a safe place to stop, signaling as you head toward a shoulder or other clear area. Turning off the engine immediately removes power assist and power steering, making it much harder to control the vehicle, and simply continuing to drive ignores the issue, which is unsafe.