Brake failure can happen at any time. But keep in mind that the condition of the car is well maintained and routine checks in the garage can reduce the incidence of brake failure. There are some tips for taking emergency measures so that you don’t get a victim when you experience a brake failure. Here’s what you should do when you experience a brake failure.

1. Don’t Panic

In the midst of a very stressful situation, it is not an easy matter to keep emotions in check. Especially if the road situation is congested and declining, such as the Cipularang toll road. But the main key in this situation is that you shouldn’t panic. That way, you can focus on the stages of reducing the speed of the car and controlling the situation well.

2. Lowering Teeth Gradually

When the car brakes fail or fail, immediately lower the gear gradually, from high to low to get the engine brake effect. There is a possibility that the engine speed will be very high when lowering the gear position.
Do not immediately shift gears to 1 or L for automatic cars. Step by step, lower the gear position as written on the side of the transmission lever. Adjust to the speed of the car. For automatic cars with manual mode, move the lever to position M and decrease the speed gradually. Indeed, the automatic transmission has less effect, but it is quite helpful in an emergency.

3. Pulling the Handbrake Lever

When the engine braking begins to show results, also balance it by pulling the handbrake lever. Why is pulling the handbrake lever done in the second step? The handbrake will immediately stop the tire, so it slips and the car can flip over. Therefore, lower the gear first and then use the handbrake to stop the vehicle.
You also shouldn’t pull the handbrake lever at the same time. Press the handbrake release button so that it does not lock in a certain position and gently pull the lever until you feel a bite in the brake. Release the parking brake lever for a moment and combine it with lowering the position of the transmission lever. You can pull it back to help with emergency braking until the car stops.

4. Do not turn off the machine

Some drivers panicked and immediately turned off the engine when the brakes failed. This makes it difficult for you to control the speed of the car, especially for cars with power steering which makes the steering heavy and the car’s sensors die.

5. Keep your feet away from the accelerator

Make sure your foot doesn’t step on the gas pedal at all. Keep your feet away from the pedals to avoid accidentally stepping on the gas pedal.

6. Press the Brake Pedal Repeatedly

Also try pressing the brake pedal over and over in your car. It is possible that the brake failure has occurred temporarily due to a system error. Even if the braking system works after you do this, immediately pull over the car to check the condition of the brake system. Do not force driving because a similar case will repeat itself if the problem is in the car brakes.

7. Find a Rescue Route

When doing all the steps above, you need to stay focused and pay full attention to the road conditions ahead. Taking into account the conditions of the road and other cars, calculate the emergency rescue route with the target of stopping at the shoulder of the road.
Every now and then look at the left and right mirrors, including turning on the emergency lights if you have time. Do not do maneuvers hastily which will only make the situation even more chaotic.

8. If Not Successful, Collide

The final attempt was to ram him into something soft, like the ditch that ran along the shoulder of the road. If not possible, hit it against sand, rail guards, wood fences, or other things that are safe for collision. However, make sure the car speed is not too high to reduce potential injuries. Immediately pull the parking brake and turn on the hazard lights as soon as the car stops perfectly.