Brakes fail while driving? That’s every driver’s worst fear. You press the pedal, and your car doesn’t slow down. Your heart races, and you panic. But if you know what steps to take, right away, you can bring your car to a safe stop. This guide uses very simple language, so you can follow each step without confusion. Let’s go.
Brakes Fail While Driving—9 Easy Steps to Stay Safe
When your brakes fail while driving, act quickly but stay as calm as you can. Follow these steps in order. They’ll help you slow down and stop safely.
1. Stay Calm and Hold the Wheel Steady
- Why it’s important: Panicking can make you jerk the wheel or slam on the brakes too hard, which can lead to a crash.
- What to do: Take one deep breath. Keep both hands at 9 and 3 o’clock on the steering wheel. Tell yourself: “I can do this.” A calm mind helps you think clearly.
2. Turn On Your Hazard Lights
- Why it’s important: Your hazard lights tell other drivers there’s a problem. They’ll see your car and move aside.
- What to do: Press the button with a red triangle on your dashboard. Check your mirrors to make sure the back lights are flashing. Even if the road is empty, hazards give you extra safety.
3. Pump the Brake Pedal
- Why it’s important: Pumping the brakes can sometimes rebuild pressure in the brake system, making your brakes work again for a moment.
- What to do: Push the brake pedal down and lift it up quickly, about once every half-second. You may feel the pedal get firmer. If it does, your brakes are working again. If not, at least your brake lights are on to warn drivers behind you.
Also Read: Brake Light Vs Tail Light: Know The Difference
4. Downshift to Use Engine Braking
- Why it’s important: Using your engine to slow down does not rely on your brakes. It can cut your speed faster than coasting.
- What to do (Manual transmission):
- Take your foot off the gas.
- Shift down one gear at a time (for example, from 5th to 4th, then 4th to 3rd).
- Let the engine slow the car. Don’t skip gears (like going from 5th to 2nd), or you might stall.
- What to do (Automatic transmission):
- Take your foot off the gas.
- Move the shifter to “L” (low) or “2” if you have those options. This keeps you in a lower gear.
- If your car has paddle shifters, press “−” to downshift.
- What to do (Hybrid/Electric):
- Take your foot off the gas. Regenerative braking will slow you some.
- If your car has a “B” or “Low” mode, use it to slow down more.
Watch the road ahead and pick a place to aim for—like a funnel, a parked lot, or a soft shoulder. Engine braking won’t stop you completely, but it helps a lot.
5. Gently Pull the Parking Brake
- Why it’s important: The parking brake still works if the main brakes fail. It uses a separate cable system.
- What to do:
- If you have a lever-style handbrake, pull up slowly in small steps—don’t yank it all at once.
- If you have an electronic parking brake, press the switch and hold it until the car slows down.
- Warning: Pulling too fast can lock your rear wheels and make you skid. If the back of your car starts sliding, ease off slightly until you have control again.
6. Pick a Safe Spot to Stop
- Why it’s important: You need to get off the road before you completely lose all speed.
- What to do:
- Look for a wide shoulder, breakdown lane, or emergency lane.
- If you’re on a highway with no shoulder, aim for an exit ramp or an uphill section—gravity helps slow you.
- In the city, steer toward a parking lot, alleyway, or wide sidewalk.
- In rural areas, look for a soft grassy area or dirt shoulder.
If there’s nothing safe nearby, you might need to gently brush the guardrail at a shallow angle. This scrapes off speed. Your car may get scratched, but this is better than a head-on crash.
7. Stop Completely Before Turning Off the Engine
- Why it’s important: Turning off the engine while still moving can lock your steering wheel (in many cars) and turn off power steering. That makes it hard to control the car.
- What to do:
- Once your car slows to a crawl, shift into Neutral (N) or Park (P).
- Come to a full stop.
- Turn off the ignition if needed.
- Engage the parking brake fully so your car can’t roll.
8. Call for Roadside Help or a Towing Company
- Why it’s important: Driving without brakes is illegal and unsafe. You need professional help to fix it.
- What to do:
- Use your phone to call roadside assistance (if you have it) or look up a “towing company Perth” (or “tow truck near me” to search for your nearby locations).
- Tell them exactly where you are—use GPS if you can.
While you wait, stay inside your car if you can. If you have to get out, stand well away from traffic, behind a barrier if possible.
9. Write Down What Happened
- Why it’s important: You’ll need notes for your mechanic and possibly for insurance.
- What to do:
- Take photos of your dashboard (any warning lights), the brake pedal position, and any leaks under your car.
- Note the time, date, weather, and road conditions (wet, dry, uphill, downhill).
- Jot down what you felt or heard before the failure (like a burning smell, a grinding noise, or a soft brake pedal).
- If someone saw what happened, ask for their name and phone number as a witness.
These details help your mechanic figure out what caused the problem faster, and they help if you need to make an insurance claim.
Also Read: How Much Does Brake Pad Replacement Cost In Perth?
How to Stop “Brakes Fail While Driving” from Ever Happening – Easy Prevention Tips
Nobody wants to worry about brakes failing. The good news is that most brake problems start small. If you catch them early, you can keep your brakes working well. Here are simple things you can do:
1. Check Brake Fluid Regularly
Open your hood once a month and look at the brake fluid reservoir. If the fluid level is low or the fluid looks dark or dirty, have a mechanic flush and refill it. Fresh fluid is a clear, light amber color.
2. Listen for Strange Noises
If you hear squealing or grinding when you brake, your pads are worn out. Get brake pad replacement service right away. Many shops offer a free brake inspection. Take advantage of that, because pads wear down over time.
3. Look Under Your Car for Leaks
After you park, glance under your wheels. If you see wet spots or fluid puddles, it’s a leak. Don’t drive until you fix it, or you could lose all brake pressure.
4. Feel for a Spongy Pedal
If your brake pedal feels soft (like you’re pressing a sponge) or if it sinks too far, there may be air in the lines or a leak. Have a mechanic bleed your brakes to remove air.
5. Pay Attention to Dashboard Lights
If you see a red light that says “BRAKE,” or an ABS warning light, don’t ignore it. Pull over when it’s safe and check your brakes.
6. Avoid Riding Your Brakes
When you go downhill, resist the urge to keep your foot on the brake. Instead, downshift to a lower gear (engine braking) to slow down. Riding brakes heats them up and can cause brake fade (brakes losing power).
7. Change Brake Fluid Every 2 Years
Moisture can get into the fluid and cause corrosion or boiling under heavy use. A full brake fluid flush every two years (or per your car manual) keeps everything fresh.
8. Inspect Brake Lines and Hoses
Have a mechanic check lines and hoses for cracks or damage. If a hose is cracked, fluid will leak and you could lose pressure. It’s better to replace a hose than risk brake failure.
9. Use Quality Parts
If you need new brake pads or rotors, choose parts that match your car’s make and model. Cheap or wrong-size parts can fail sooner.
10. Follow Your Car’s Service Schedule
Stick to your “log book service” intervals or what your manufacturer recommends (usually every 10,000–15,000 km or every 6 months). Regular check-ups include brake checks and keep you safe.
If you catch small issues—a little noise, a low fluid level—you can fix them before you ever risk a total brakes fail while driving. That’s much easier and cheaper than dealing with an emergency.
Brake Failure Symptoms: Simple Signs You Can’t Ignore
Knowing the red flags makes a big difference. Here are common warning signs your brakes need help:
- Brake Warning Light:
If you see a red light that says “BRAKE,” or a circle with an exclamation point, it’s time to check your brakes. Don’t ignore it.
- Spongy or Soft Brake Pedal:
When you press the pedal, it goes down farther than usual, or it feels squishy. That’s air or low fluid. Get your brakes checked right away.
- Brake Pedal Goes to the Floor:
If your pedal goes all the way down when you press it, there’s a big problem—probably a leak. Don’t drive another inch; call for a tow.
- Squealing, Screeching, or Grinding Noises:
Squealing often means your pads are almost gone. Grinding means pads are gone, and metal is scraping the rotor. Both need immediate attention.
- Car Pulls to One Side When Braking:
If you feel your car pulling left or right when you brake, one caliper may be stuck, or pads are uneven. This is dangerous—get it fixed.
- Burning Smell Around Wheels:
A strong burning smell could mean overheated pads or calipers. Pull over, let everything cool, and have your brakes checked.
- Steering Wheel Vibrates When Braking:
Vibrations often mean your rotors are warped. Warped rotors reduce braking power and should be resurfaced or replaced.
- ABS Light Stays On:
Your anti-lock braking system (ABS) helps you stop safely, especially on wet roads. If that light stays on, you lose that benefit. Get it fixed.
- Dark or Gunky Brake Fluid:
Fresh fluid is clear or light amber. If it looks dark and dirty, have it changed.
If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait. Look up “car mechanics near me” or drive slowly to a car service station for a free brake inspection. A small repair now could save your life later.
Common Brakes Failure Causes—Why Brakes Stop Working
Understanding why brakes fail helps you see why prevention matters. Here are common causes:
- Brake Fluid Leaks:
A small crack in a hose or a loose connection can let fluid escape. If your fluid drops too low, your brakes lose pressure and fail.
- Boiled Brake Fluid (Brake Fade):
Braking hard or continuously (like going downhill) can heat fluid until it boils. Bubbles form, and your brakes feel soft or go out until things cool down.
- Worn Brake Pads and Rotors:
Pads wear down, and if they get too thin, metal touches metal. That destroys rotors and cuts braking power.
- Master Cylinder Problems:
Inside the master cylinder are tiny seals that pressurize fluid. If those seals fail, fluid leaks internally, and you lose pressure.
- Contaminated Brake Fluid:
Moisture mixes with old fluid over time and lowers its boiling point. That leads to brake fade.
- ABS Module or Sensor Issues:
A broken ABS sensor or module means your anti-lock system doesn’t work. You might still have normal braking, but you lose the extra safety net, especially on slippery roads.
- Vacuum Brake Booster Failure:
Most cars use a vacuum booster to make the pedal easy to press. If a vacuum hose cracks or the booster diaphragm breaks, your pedal becomes very hard to push.
- Poor-Quality or Wrong Parts:
Cheap brake pads or rotors that don’t match your car can fail sooner than good-quality, correct-size parts. Always choose reliable brands.
When any one of these parts fails, it can lead to a sudden loss of brakes. That’s why regular checks and using quality parts matter so much.
Conclusion—Keep Your Brakes Healthy, Keep Yourself Safe
A sudden brake failure is scary, but if you follow these simple steps—pump the brakes, downshift, pull the parking brake, and find a safe place to stop—you can avoid a crash.
To prevent brakes fail while driving, watch for warning signs. Check your brake fluid regularly, replace pads and rotors when they wear, and get a free brake inspection at every log book service or car safety check Perth. If you spot any problem, search “car mechanics near me” and have it fixed before it becomes an emergency.
Drive safe, keep your brakes in good shape, and if—God forbid—your brakes fail while driving, you’ll already know exactly what to do. Share this guide with friends and family. The more drivers who know these simple steps, the safer our roads will be. Safe travels!
FAQs
Q1. What if my brakes fail while I’m driving at night on a freeway?
- Turn on your hazard lights so cars behind you see the flashing.
- Pump the brake pedal quickly to try to restore pressure.
- Downshift one gear at a time (or shift to “L” or “Low,” if you’re in an automatic).
- Pull the parking brake gently in small steps.
- Look for the shoulder or exit ramp. If you can’t find a safe spot, aim for a guardrail at a very shallow angle to scrape off speed.
- Once you stop, call a towing company Perth (or your local tow service). Stay in your car if it’s safer, or stand behind a barrier.
Q2. How much does a full brake system repair cost?
Prices vary by location and car model. In Perth (AUD):
- Brake pads replacement: $100–$250 per axle.
- Rotor resurfacing or replacement: $100–$300 per rotor.
- Brake fluid flush: $80–$150.
- Master cylinder replacement: $200–$400.
- ABS sensor or module fix: $500–$1,200.
Always get a written estimate from your car service station before agreeing to any work.
Q3. Can I drive a short distance if my brakes are noisy or feel a bit soft?
If your brakes make noise or feel slightly soft, you can drive slowly (under 20 km/h) to the nearest car mechanics near me or general car repair shop. But if the pedal goes to the floor or feels too soft to trust, don’t drive another meter—call for a tow.
Q4. How often should I get a “free car inspection” or “car safety check Perth”?
Follow your car’s service schedule—usually every 10,000–15,000 km or every six months. In places with hot weather (like Perth), consider a safety check every six months even if you haven’t done many kilometers. Many workshops offer a free brake inspection—take advantage of these deals.
Q5. Why did my car lose power and have weak brakes at the same time?
That often means a vacuum hose to the brake booster is leaking or the brake booster itself is bad. The same vacuum helps your engine run smoothly, so a leak can cause your engine to run rough and make your pedal very hard to push. If this happens, find a safe spot, turn off the engine, and get it checked by a mechanic.
Q6. Are brakes failures covered by insurance?
Insurance usually treats brake failure as a mechanical fault, not a crash. If brakes fail while driving leads to an accident, your collision coverage might help cover damages to other vehicles or property. Some policies include roadside assistance to tow you to a car service station. Check your policy details—know what’s covered and what your excess is.
Q7. Why is brake fluid so important? Can’t I just top it up?
Topping up brake fluid helps if you’re running low. But over time, fluid gets dirty and takes on moisture. That moisture lowers the fluid’s boiling point, so when you use your brakes hard (like going down a hill), the fluid can boil, making your pedals soft. A full brake fluid flush every two years (or per your car manual) replaces old fluid and keeps your system working properly.
