Imagine cruising down the highway, enjoying the ride, when suddenly, your brake pedal feels alarmingly soft, or worse, it doesn’t respond at all. It’s a scenario that can send a jolt of fear through even the most seasoned driver. This is why knowing what to do when your brakes fail can be life-saving.
In this guide, we’ll explain the steps to take if your brakes fail, from immediate actions to long-term prevention.
Immediate Actions if Brakes Fail
If your brakes fail, what should you do?
When your vehicle’s brakes fail, every second counts. It’s crucial to stay calm and act quickly to regain control of your car and bring it to a safe stop. Here are some of the steps you should take if your brakes suddenly stop working.
1. Pump the Brake Pedal
Your first instinct might be to press the brake pedal harder, and that’s exactly what you should do—but with a twist. Rapidly pump the brake pedal to try and build up brake fluid pressure. In many cases, this simple action can restore some braking power, giving you just enough control to slow down or even bring your vehicle to a complete stop.
Remember, your braking system relies on hydraulic pressure, so if there’s any brake fluid left, this technique might save the day. This is also why fluid exchanges are important.
2. Use the Emergency Brake
If pumping the brakes doesn’t work, it’s time to engage your vehicle’s emergency brake, also known as the parking brake. Unlike your regular brakes, the emergency brake operates on a separate system that doesn’t rely on brake fluid pressure.
Pull the hand brake or push the emergency brake pedal gradually to avoid locking up the rear wheels, which could cause a skid. While the emergency brake won’t stop your vehicle as quickly as your regular brakes, it can slow you down enough to regain control and avoid a car accident.
3. Stay Calm and Signal
In moments of panic, your natural reaction might be to slam on the brakes or swerve uncontrollably. Resist that urge. Keep your hands steady on the steering wheel and stay calm. Turn on your hazard lights and gently steer your vehicle towards the side of the road or a safe area.
If traffic allows, honk your horn or flash your headlights to alert other drivers that something is wrong. Maintaining a cool head and signaling your distress will help you prevent a dangerous situation from escalating into a full-blown disaster.
Professional Help and Brake Inspection
Once you’ve safely come to a stop, it’s essential to seek professional help immediately. Driving with faulty brakes is a risk you should never take.
Towing to a Service
Don’t attempt to drive your vehicle to an auto repair shop on your own, even if the brakes seem to work again after a scare. Instead, call for a tow truck to transport your car to a service center. This ensures your safety and that of others on the road. Plus, towing your car allows professionals to inspect the braking system without risking further damage or complete brake failure.
Comprehensive Brake System Inspection
At the service center, your vehicle should undergo a comprehensive brake system inspection. This includes checking the brake pads, brake fluid, rotor disks, brake lines, and the overall braking system for any signs of wear, brake fluid leaks, or mechanical failure. The brake inspection should also cover your emergency brake and anti-lock brakes (ABS) to ensure that every component is functioning as it should. Only after a thorough brake repair and inspection can you confidently get back on the road.
Preventative Measures
While knowing what to do if your brakes fail is essential, preventing brake failure in the first place is even better. Regular maintenance can keep your vehicle’s brakes in top condition and reduce the risk of unexpected issues.
Regular Brake Checks
One of the best ways to prevent brake failure is to schedule regular brake checks. During these inspections, technicians will assess the condition of your brake pads, brake fluid, rotor disks, and other key components. Catching worn brake pads early can prevent more serious problems down the line, such as damage to the brake rotors or complete brake failure. Regular brake services and repair actions can extend the life of your braking system and save you money on more costly repairs in the future.
Listen to Early Warning Signs
Your vehicle often gives you subtle hints that something isn’t right long before a serious issue develops.
- Squeaky Brakes: What does squeaky brakes mean? Squealing or screeching noises often indicate worn brake pads. Replacing them quickly prevents damage to the rotors and avoids more costly repairs.
- Spongy or Soft Brake Pedal: A soft brake pedal usually signals a brake fluid leak or air in the brake lines, which reduces braking power and increases the risk of brake failure.
- Vibrating Brake Pedal: If your brake pedal vibrates when braking, it could be due to warped rotors or uneven brake pad wear. Addressing this promptly ensures smooth and safe braking.
- Burning Smell While Driving: A burning smell, especially after hard braking, suggests overheated brakes or worn-out pads. Immediate attention is needed to prevent brake fade.
- Vehicle Pulling to One Side When Braking: If your vehicle pulls to one side, it may be due to uneven brake pad wear, a stuck caliper, or misaligned wheels. Fixing this restores balanced braking and vehicle stability.
Responding to these early warning signs promptly prevents major repairs, ensures your brakes remain effective, and helps you avoid accidents by maintaining safe stopping power. Here is a more comprehensive guide to the signs of brake problems and when it’s time to replace them.
Visit Our Shop for Professional Brake Services
Your vehicle’s brakes are its most critical safety feature, and taking care of them should always be a priority. At Commercial Tire, we understand the importance of a reliable braking system, which is why we offer comprehensive brake services and repair. Operating across Utah, Washington, Idaho, and Oregon, our expert team provides everything from routine brake checks to complete brake system overhauls, ensuring your vehicle’s brakes are in top condition.
Don’t wait until you’re dealing with brake fade or defective brakes—schedule your brake service with us today. When you visit, you’ll receive a free inspection to ensure your brakes are in optimal condition. Whether you need brake pads replaced, brake fluid topped off, or a full brake system inspection, we’ve got you covered. We offer our services in over 40 locations, including services such as brake repair in Boise and brake repair in Spokane to tackle brake noise and other related issues. Your safety is our top priority at Commercial Tire, and we’re committed to keeping your vehicle performing at its best.