What to Do When Cars Brakes Fail While Driving
Car brakes are the first line of defence against traffic fatalities. However, even car brakes of the best make have a limited lifespan. With time, brakes tend to wear out and stop working if not dealt with priority. It is crucial to know how to deal with car brake failures because your instant action can be lifesaving.
For roadside emergencies in the UAE, you must call on 999 and report the accident. Mention your location while reporting the accident and wait for further instructions.
Discussed below are the likely causes of troubled car brakes, what to do when your car brakes fail along with some tips to prevent brake failure first off.
What Should You Do if Your Car Brakes Fail?
The key to efficiently tackling a car brake failure is to remain as calm as possible. So, if you push the brake pedal and the brake doesn’t kick in then follow these steps.
- Downshift to a lower gear when dealing with brake failure in a manual car, whereas, if brakes fail in an automatic car, start decelerating that will lower the gear itself.
- If your car is equipped with regular brakes, then pump the brake pedal hard and fast to generate enough hydraulic brake fluid pressure.
- Whereas, anti-lock brakes (ABS) pump the car brakes at a faster rate to stop the car. The driver just needs to push the brake hard enough to activate the ABS.
- Utilizing the emergency brake works wonders. Gradually apply the emergency brake but be prepared to release it if the car starts to skid.
- If nothing works, then steer the car in a safe direction till it stops. If unfortunately car brake failure occurs on a highway, then try to find a safe exit from the road or if need be steer into bushes.
- Honk the car horns and continue flashing warning lights to warn other cars near you.
Once the car is stopped, call for help. You must never drive a car with failed brakes.
Causes of Car Brake Failure
The function of car brakes depends on several steps working gradually. By pressing the brake pedal, pressure is transmitted to the brake lines, having brake fluid, which further transmits it to the brakes themselves.
Car brakes are of two types, i.e. drum and disc brakes. Disc brakes are better than drum brakes since drum brakes get overheated too quickly which may result in brake failure. However, drum brakes are cheaper and more complicated.
Usually, brakes fail due to leaky brake lines resulting in loss of brake pressure. One of the causes of car brake failure is worn-out drums or discs that can no longer exert enough friction for the wheels to halt.
You can keep ahead of potential road fatalities by detecting these car brakes repair signs timely.
Car Brake Maintenance
A person who owns a car is liable for its maintenance as well. Regular car maintenance ain’t as time-consuming as we presume. Rather, timely maintenance can reduce the frequency of repair shop visits and allow early detection of probable car brake failures.
Keeping track of car maintenance records can be extremely helpful at times when you face any car issue. A car maintenance checklist can save you from skipping repair of any part that may require your immediate attention.
In the UAE, driving an ill-maintained car can get you a warning by the authorities first. Whereas, you can be fined AED 1,500 if caught driving the same car for three days since the initial warning.
Nevertheless, a bunch of used cars, of popular brands, are up for sale on dubizzle at quite affordable prices. Let’s take a look at some options:
- Second-hand cars in Dubai
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- Used vehicles in Ajman
- Second-hand autos in Sharjah
- Second-hand autos in Ras al Khaimah
- Used vehicles in Umm al Quwain
- Second-hand cars in Fujairah
For more information on car brakes, car care, and maintenance tips, stay tuned to the UAE’s top auto blogs.