What should you do if you experience brake failure?

When experiencing brake failure, the best course of action is to pump the brakes, shift to a lower gear, and steer off the road gently. This method allows you to attempt to build brake pressure back up by pumping the brake pedal, which can sometimes restore partial braking ability. Shifting to a lower gear helps reduce the vehicle’s speed by using engine braking, which can be particularly effective in slowing the vehicle down when the brakes are not working properly. Steering off the road gently gives you the opportunity to maneuver the vehicle to a safe area away from traffic, minimizing the risk of a collision.

In contrast, accelerating to stop the vehicle is counterproductive and could lead to a more dangerous situation as it increases speed when control is lost. Turning the engine off and coasting would eliminate power steering and power braking, making it much more difficult to control the vehicle. Pulling the handbrake abruptly can cause the rear wheels to lock up, leading to a loss of control and potential skidding. Thus, the combination of pumping the brakes, downshifting, and steering safely off the road is the most effective strategy in the event of brake failure.