There aren't many more sickening feelings than cruising along the highway, approaching an intersection, applying the brakes and feeling your 3,000 + pound ride keep right on going.
Fortunately for most of us, complete brake failure is a rare occurrence. But when it happens, it's almost always unexpected -- and the results can be life threatening, to say the least. So now is the time to take a second and think about what you would do in the event you stepped on your brake pedal and found yourself unable to stop.
The National Safety Council recommends you take the following steps should you find yourself in a position where your brakes suddenly fail:
Downshift immediately, but gently
Putting the car in a lower gear allows the engine to slow the car, and may give you enough time to be able to safely pull over. Whether you're driving an automatic or a manual, try to downshift smoothly through the gears. If you downshift too quickly, you risk a skid. Do not shut off the car to stop it, as you'll lose your power steering, and do not put the car in neutral or you will lose the engine braking effect.
Try the emergency brake, but don't depend on it to stop
If you're driving a car with a good, strong emergency brake, go ahead and use it. It helps to try your emergency brake out at slow speeds to see how much stopping power it really has.
Check for brake pedal blockage
Believe it or not, debris such as soda cans or bottles, coffee cups, rolls of paper towels and other items bouncing around in the cockpit can wedge behind your brake pedal, preventing its use. Make sure the pedal's path is clear and if not, kick the obstruction out of the way.
Pump your brakes only if you have an older car without anti-lock brakes (ABS)
If your car has standard brakes they may respond to pumping, which could build up enough hydraulic pressure to allow them to work again. But many newer cars with ABS will do the pumping for you, so you should firmly press the brake pedal even if the brakes are not working. The brake failure may be temporary and if they suddenly start working again, you foot will be where it needs to be.
Alert other drivers
Turn on your hazards and honk your horn until you're stopped so other motorists will know to give you plenty of room.
If you must hit something, aim for something "soft"
This is a judgement call, but a wooden fence is better than a tree, for example -- and anything is preferable to hitting a human being.
Once you're safely stopped, get help - don't chance it home
Don't be tempted to drive the car again, even if the brakes suddenly start working. Have the car towed to a repair shop or dealer for inspection and repair.
