What to Do When Your Car Brakes Fail

What to Do When Your Car Brakes Fail

Have you ever been cruising down a busy highway like Thika Superhighway, feeling the wind in your hair, only to have your heart skip a beat because your brakes suddenly aren’t working? It’s a terrifying situation, and knowing what to do can make all the difference between a close call and a disaster.

Hi, I’m Daniel, the CEO of Automotive Doctor Motor Garage, and today, I want to walk you through what to do when your car brakes fail.

Think of this as a quick guide to keeping calm and staying in control if you ever find yourself in this nerve-wracking scenario.

1. Stay Calm and Keep Your Eyes on the Road

I know, easier said than done, right? But trust me, keeping a level head is your best bet in this situation. Your first instinct might be to panic, but don’t. Instead, focus on what’s ahead of you. If you’re on a highway like Thika Superhighway, look for an exit or a safe place to pull over.

2. Pump the Brake Pedal

If your brakes have suddenly gone soft, it could mean there’s air in the brake lines. Try pumping the brake pedal several times. This action might rebuild enough brake pressure to slow down your vehicle. If this works, gently guide your car to the side of the road or a safe area.

3. Use the Emergency Brake

The emergency brake, also known as the parking brake, operates independently of the hydraulic brake system, which might still work even if your main brakes fail. Pull the brake lever or press the emergency brake button gradually to avoid locking the wheels. This method can help slow down the vehicle, but be cautious as it can also cause the car to skid if used too harshly.

4. Downshift to a Lower Gear

If you’re driving a car with an automatic transmission, shift to a lower gear. In a manual car, gradually downshift through the gears. By doing this, you use the engine to slow the vehicle down—this is known as engine braking. It’s an effective way to reduce speed, especially when your brakes aren’t cooperating.

5. Look for an Escape Route

While trying to slow down, scan the road for an escape route. This could be an open field, a grassy median, or a less crowded lane. If you’re on Nairobi’s Expressway, use the dedicated exits or emergency lanes to maneuver the vehicle out of harm’s way.

6. Sound the Horn and Flash Your Lights

Alert other drivers to your situation. Press the horn and flash your lights to let them know something is wrong. They might be able to give you the space you need to bring your car to a stop safely.

7. Use Objects to Slow Down

If there’s no other option, you might need to use physical objects to slow down your car. This could mean brushing against a guardrail or driving onto a gravel patch. It’s not ideal and can damage your car, but it’s better than a high-speed collision.

8. Stop the Engine (Last Resort)

As a last resort, you can turn off the engine. Be careful with this one. While it will slow the car, it also disables power steering and can make the car harder to control. Only do this if you’ve tried everything else and nothing seems to be working.

9. Get Professional Help

Once you’ve safely stopped the car, it’s time to call for help. Don’t attempt to drive the car again until it’s been inspected by a professional. You can reach out to our team at Automotive Doctor Motor Garage for a full brake system inspection and repair.

Final Thoughts

Brake failure is every driver’s nightmare, but knowing how to react can turn a potential disaster into just a scary story to tell. Always keep your car in top condition with regular maintenance checks. If you notice anything unusual with your brakes, don’t wait—bring your vehicle to us at Automotive Doctor Motor Garage immediately.

Stay safe out there, and remember, a well-maintained car is a safe car.

You can learn more about vehicle safety and maintenance on our blog page. Let’s keep your vehicle running smoothly and safely on Kenyan roads!