How do you stop your car when your brakes suddenly fail?
Your goal is to get your car to a safe place and bring it to a stop as soon and as safely possible.
Step 1: Stay calm and slow down by laying off the gas pedal.
Step 2: Turn on your hazard lights to signal that something is wrong. You can use your horn too.
Step 3: Whether you drive an automatic or a standard, shift your car into a lower gear to help it slow down.
Step 4: Carefully work your way over to the shoulder. If you’re on a highway, you might also use an exit ramp. (Remember that you want to get to a place where you can safely slow down, which in some cases may mean driving a little farther.)
Step 5: ABS (antilock brake system) brakes only: Brake firmly while you continue to steer.
Standard brakes only (non-antilock brakes): Drivers with standard brakes should try pumping the brakes, using short taps.
Step 6: When you’re slowing to a stop, try shifting into neutral and applying your emergency brake.
Step 7: Once you’ve successfully stopped your vehicle, don’t attempt to drive it. Call for help and have your car towed to a mechanic.
One more tip: Don’t shut your car off until you’ve come to a complete stop. Shutting it down will disable your power steering and make it hard (if not impossible) to maneuver.