Why Do The Brakes On A Car Suddenly Stop Working?
Brakes are typically designed to be fail-safe, but there’s always a chance they could malfunction. When your brakes suddenly stop working you might have a serious problem on your hands and need to work quickly before it becomes an even bigger emergency.
When Your Car Brakes Stop Working, Here Are 7 Things You Should Do:
Try the Brake Pedal Again
If you press down on your car’s brake pedal and nothing happens, press down firmly on the pedal again to try to activate the brakes. Most cars have a dual braking system, and if your car brakes suddenly stopped working, it could be because only a portion of this system is malfunctioning. You may be able to slow and stop your car by applying firm and consistent pressure to the brake pedal.
Engage the Emergency Brake
Pull the emergency brake handle slowly if your car’s primary brakes are not working. Alternatively, if your vehicle has an emergency brake pedal, depress it until the vehicle comes to a complete stop.
The emergency brake on your car works separately from the main brakes. However, keep in mind that using the emergency brake will take longer than using the primary brakes.
Shift into a Lower Gear
Take your foot off the accelerator to shift into a lower gear if your vehicle has an automatic transmission. If your vehicle is equipped with a manual transmission, shift from gear to gear to slow and stop your vehicle.
If you put your car in neutral, it may coast. Instead, downshift and pump the brake pedal to increase pressure. Engage the parking brake once your car’s speed has reduced.
Get Off the Road
Get your car safely off the road as soon as possible. If you’re on a highway, try to safely move your car into the right lane. If possible, park your vehicle in a parking lot or in a safe location away from the main street.
As you move your car off the road, use caution and keep an eye out for oncoming traffic. Avoid potential road hazards by activating your car’s hazard lights or using your vehicle’s lights and horn to alert other motorists as needed.
Turn off your vehicle
Do not turn off your car until it has come to a complete stop. Because, while it may appear to be a good idea to turn off your car to slow it down, doing so can be dangerous. In this case, your car’s power steering will shut down, making it difficult to steer. Furthermore, removing the key from your car’s ignition can cause the steering wheel to lock into place.
Signal for assistance once your vehicle has come to a halt. Set up reflective triangles or flares around your vehicle if they are available. Also, keep a safe distance from oncoming traffic and avoid standing next to or behind your vehicle.
Obtain the services of a towing firm
To have your car towed to your home or an auto body repair shop, contact a towing company. If your insurance policy includes roadside assistance, you can use it to have your car towed to your desired location.
Also, don’t be afraid to call the cops if you need help. The police can assist you in contacting a towing company and ensuring your safety while waiting for a tow truck to arrive.
Have Your Brakes Checked
There’s no reason to take chances, especially when it comes to your car’s brakes. You can identify and correct any brake problems by having your brakes inspected by professionals at an auto body shop.
Professionals at an auto body shop can conduct a thorough brake inspection to determine why your car’s brakes have stopped working. They can also provide advice and suggestions to help you avoid future brake issues.
We’ve come up with some other amazing articles answering these questions! Check them out here:
- How Often Should Brakes On An Electric Car Be Replaced?
- Is It Safe To Drive A Car If The Brakes Are Grinding?
- What 3 Things You Need To Know Before Getting Brake Service
- 3 Questions To Ask Before Getting Brakes Service
- How Do I Pick The Right Brake Repair Service Near Danville?
- How Do I Know If My Brakes Are Dangerously Worn?
- 11 Signs That You Might Need To Replace Your Brake Pad?
- What Are Common Brake Problems?
- How Often Should I Check The Brakes On My Tesla?
Are You Looking for an Independent Auto Repair Shop You Can Trust?
If you’re considering making a change to an independent auto repair mechanic trusted by thousands of happy customers, look no further than autoTECH Blackhawk. Why? We differ from other automotive repair shops because we are a relationship shop. This means that the more of your car repair needs we support you with, the better able we are to customize our recommendations based on your driving habits and needs. Whether you want to keep the daily driver in ‘good enough’ condition, style your new car so that it’s customized just for you, maintain your favorite car in ‘like new’ condition, or even train your whole family to be more knowledgeable about cars – we partner with you to ensure that your cars meet your needs. We also offer an industry-leading 3-Year/36,000-mile warranty, so we only use Original Equipment and manufacturer-recommended products. Contact us now to book your no-contact, friendly appointment! We truly value your trust and your business, so thank you for staying local with your auto repair needs.
