When a pedal suddenly loses its effectiveness, drivers should stay calm. Most vehicles use a dual-circuit braking system. If one circuit fails, the other still provides stopping power. The key is to press the brake firmly and consistently. If the second circuit remains intact, the pedal may feel firmer as it nears the floor, and the car will slow, though not as quickly as with full braking capability.
Engine braking
Engine braking is a lifesaver. In cars with manual transmissions, drivers traditionally shift down through gears to help slow the vehicle. By allowing the engine to absorb kinetic energy, the car decelerates without relying solely on the brake system.
Automatic transmissions with a manual control mode can also use this technique. Switch to the manual control mode and shift down. If there is no such mode, operate the gear selector to lower ranges (for example, 3, 2, 1 or L). The same approach works with CVTs that offer manual shifting. The main goal is to move quickly and decisively to manage the deceleration safely.
The overarching principle is clear: act promptly and with confidence in any extreme situation. Knowing common critical scenarios is not enough; drivers should also anticipate options to escape them.
Handbrake
The parking brake, often called the handbrake, deserves attention. A mechanical handbrake with a hand lever can be used while driving if necessary, but it should be applied smoothly and progressively to avoid abrupt changes. A foot-operated parking brake is riskier because it is easy to overbrake or to struggle with disengagement during a loss of main braking.
Electro-mechanical parking brakes should be tested in a quiet, controlled environment and used if the main brakes fail. The action depends on the car model, so consulting the owner’s manual helps to understand how this feature behaves in a real emergency.
Maneuvering
In some scenarios, steering and careful positioning can help bring the vehicle to a stop. On busy highways or in dense city traffic, this may not be feasible, but in rural areas or downhill sections, maneuvering to create space can be beneficial. Wide shoulders or escape routes on mountain roads give drivers additional options. When roads are clear, small steering adjustments can reduce the likelihood of a collision without entering a panic-driven spiral.
Contact inhibition
In the most extreme cases, when safety is at stake, drivers may need to use friction with the road or even contact with obstacles to lose speed. Snowbanks, shrubs, or fences can all act as a last resort to reduce momentum. The priority remains avoiding harm to people in the vehicle and understanding the potential consequences of any contact with others’ property.
Advice to avoid unnecessary risk remains universal: do not sacrifice control or speed in the name of a shortcut. The priority is to protect lives, including the passengers in the vehicle and pedestrians nearby. Vehicles like luxury models often offer greater protective margins, but every driver should act with care and responsibility.
What is never recommended
It is never wise to try engaging reverse gear or shifting into Park while the vehicle is still in motion. This can damage the transmission and waste precious seconds needed to decelerate safely.
Universal advice for preventing accidents in any situation
The most dangerous enemy is panic. No matter what happens, maintain control and focus on getting out of danger with the fewest possible losses. In most cases, quick decisions are required in fractions of a second, leaving little time for doubt. Consider potential mistakes and plan your course of action ahead of time.
For additional guidance on wheel loss and steering failure, stay tuned for further information and tips.
Important consideration about tires
tires in common sizes play a critical role in stopping performance. Without proper tires, road grip deteriorates and reaction times lengthen. Communities and organizations often support tire campaigns to ensure that emergency and public service vehicles stay equipped for safety. Contributions to tire drives can be directed through official collection pages or programs managed by community safety volunteers.
Photo: still from the film No brakes