Most cars rely on a dual circuit braking system. If one hydraulic circuit fails, the other can still function and help slow the vehicle, though not as efficiently. The key is to stay calm and act with purpose, ensuring you gain as much controlled deceleration as possible while preparing for a safe stop. Engine and brake management, plus deliberate steering, play a crucial role in this scenario.
Engine braking can help when the primary braking system is compromised. Downshifting to a lower gear reduces speed through engine resistance, providing additional deceleration without increasing brake pedal effort. This technique works best in manual transmissions, but it can also complement braking in automatic vehicles by selecting lower gears or using sport modes that emphasize engine braking.
However, experts caution against certain actions that waste precious seconds or risk damage to the drivetrain. Trying to engage reverse gear while the car is moving, or shifting into park while still in motion, can lead to transmission damage and loss of control. The safest choice is to minimize speed gradually using the available tools and to come to a controlled stop in the safest possible location.
How to slow down without relying solely on the brake pedal — practical options
- Steady hands on the wheel. Keep the vehicle tracking straight and avoid sudden swerves. Smooth steering preserves control, especially on slick or uneven surfaces.
- Downshift when feasible. In manual transmission cars, shift down through the gears to use engine resistance. In automatics, select a lower gear or drive mode designed for engine braking if the model offers it.
- Use the transmission wisely. If the car has a left foot brake or pedal assist features, apply only as needed to stabilize deceleration while maintaining control.
- Look for a safe place to stop. Scan the road for a wide shoulder, an open lane, or a clear emergency area. Signal early and reduce speed gradually until off the main line of traffic.
- Steer with intention. If the road is blocked by traffic or obstacles, steer away from hazards first, then manage speed. Avoid hard braking if the situation allows for gradual deceleration.
- Brake pressure management. Light, steady pressure on the brake can help build residual braking effect in a partial-system failure scenario. If the pedal sinks to the floor, apply emergency braking cautiously and assess the environment as you lose brake power.
- Emergency brake considerations. If the vehicle has an electronic or mechanical emergency brake, engage it gently and progressively, avoiding abrupt pulls that could destabilize the car. In many cases, the goal is to slow gradually rather than stop instantly.
- Remember visibility. Turn on hazard lights to alert following drivers and pedestrians while you focus on bringing the car to a safe stop.
Practice and familiarity with a vehicle’s braking and engine-braking characteristics can reduce panic in an emergency. Understanding how a specific model behaves when braking power is reduced helps a driver respond more effectively under pressure. This knowledge becomes especially valuable on roads with limited shoulders, heavy traffic, or adverse weather conditions.
Owners who regularly drive in varying conditions should consider periodic safety checks. A qualified technician can verify the integrity of the dual-circuit braking system, test ABS functionality, and confirm that engine-braking mechanisms operate as designed. Keeping the vehicle well maintained ensures that in a braking anomaly, the available options remain reliable rather than speculative.
In critical moments, the priority is to maintain control and reduce speed in a predictable way while moving toward a safe stopping point. The combination of engine braking, careful steering, and controlled deceleration often provides the safest path when the conventional braking system is compromised.
Overall, the guidance from Revin and Kolodochkin centers on staying calm, using engine braking when appropriate, avoiding dangerous gear changes, and seeking a secure place to stop. By following these steps, drivers can manage a brake failure scenario with greater balance and confidence for Canadian and American roads alike.
Note: The guidance reflects practical insights from automotive safety professionals and is intended to help drivers respond effectively in emergencies, with credit to driving safety experts Alexey Revin and Mikhail Kolodochkin.