What to Do If Your Brakes Fail While Driving

What to Do If Your Brakes Fail: A Guide for Montana Drivers

Picture this: you’re cruising down Montana’s stunning backroads, surrounded by mountains and open skies. It’s peaceful, right? But just as you’re settling into the rhythm of the drive, you press the brake, and—nothing. Panic sets in. What do you do? This scenario is more common than you might think, and understanding what to do in a brake failure situation could be the difference between a close call and a serious accident.

First Things First: Stay Calm

Okay, let’s be real. Experiencing brake failure can send your heart racing faster than a grizzly bear after a picnic basket! Staying calm is crucial. You need your wits about you for the next steps. Remember, it’s all about regaining control—both of your emotions and your vehicle.

Step 1: Pump The Brake Pedal

You may have heard this before, but it bears repeating: if your brakes fail, one of the first things you should do is pump the brake pedal. You see, brake systems operate on hydraulics, relying on brake fluid pressure to work correctly. If you suddenly lose that pressure—maybe due to a leak or air in the lines—pumping the pedal can sometimes help restore some hydraulic pressure. It’s a classic move that may allow your vehicle to slow down slightly.

Why It Works: When you pump the pedal, you might have just enough residual brake fluid to give you a little bit of stopping power. It’s like trying to coax a stubborn old tractor to start; sometimes, it just takes a few taps before it roars to life! Now, this isn’t a surefire solution, but it’s definitely a smart first action to take.

Step 2: Don’t Try Crazy Maneuvers

Look, we get it. In your moment of panic, it’s easy to start thinking of some wild maneuvers. But let’s clear this up: steering into oncoming traffic or doing donuts in the middle of the road is NEVER the answer. Seriously, don’t even consider it!

Why? Steering into oncoming traffic might seem like a way to avoid a crash, but it puts not only you but everyone else on the road in danger. Plus, in those tight moments, your instincts can be your worst enemy.

Take a Breath: Instead, focus on where you can safely guide your vehicle. You want to find a way to slow down without causing harm to yourself or others.

Step 3: Use Your Gear

Here’s the thing: if you’ve pumped your brakes and you still feel that sinking sensation, it might be time to shift into a lower gear (if you’re driving a manual car). This can help you slow down by utilizing engine braking. If you're in an automatic vehicle, shifting into neutral might seem logical, but this can lead to loss of power steering and control.

You might think, “Isn’t turning off the engine smart?” Well, not really! While it could stop the car, suddenly losing your power steering can make it incredibly hard to maneuver your vehicle. It's like trying to steer a boat in a storm with just one oar—good luck getting it to go where you want!

Step 4: Pull Over Safely

Now, if those brakes don’t cooperate, you’ll need to figure out a safe spot to pull over. But here’s the catch: you can't just cut the steering wheel hard and hope for the best. You still need to do everything you can to slow down first.

Look for a Clear Path: If there’s an open space on the side of the road, that’s your target! Try to guide the vehicle toward that area. Use your turn signals—this signals others to stay clear while you gain control.

But let's be real for a second. Depending on the speed of your vehicle and the straightness of the road, safely pulling over might take more than just a little brake tickle. Maneuvering your vehicle to safety requires smart thinking, especially if traffic conditions are tricky.

Don’t Forget Your Safety Equipment

So, what’s next? After you’ve come to a stop safely, you’ll want to make sure that you’re in a secure position. Staying in your vehicle with your seatbelt buckled is often the safest place, especially on busy roads. Keep your hazard lights on; this helps alert other drivers to your situation.

Now, if you're not able to fix the problem, it's time to call for help. Whether it’s a friend, a family member, or a tow truck service, don't hesitate to get assistance. Your safety is the number one priority!

Final Thoughts: Stay Prepared

While we all hope we’ll never find ourselves in a situation where we have to deal with brake failure, it’s essential to know what to do just in case. Familiarizing yourself with your vehicle’s systems, ensuring your brake system is regularly checked, and practicing safe driving habits can help prevent brake failure from happening in the first place.

Remember, driving through Montana's wild beauty should feel freeing and inspiring. By knowing what to do in critical moments, you can enjoy your adventures with peace of mind. Next time someone mentions brake failure, you can confidently share what to do. You got this!

Whether it’s the thrill of the open road or the excitement of exploring new horizons, driving in Montana is an experience unlike any other. Just keep your head on straight, and you’ll be good to go! Safe travels!