What to Do If You Lose Brakes — Comprehensive Safety Guide

Although brake failure is one of the situations no driver wants to experience, a braking system can fail for various technical reasons. Knowing how to react correctly in these critical moments can make the difference between a minor incident and a tragedy. Experience and knowledge about how vehicle systems work are essential to manage such emergency situations.

Even if you feel that the car isn’t braking at all when you press the pedal fully, the most important thing is not to lift your foot off the brake. There is always a chance that there is still partial braking, and every tenth of a second gained can be crucial. A quick and correct reaction can turn a potentially fatal situation into a controllable one.

Main Causes of Brake System Failure

Issues with Calipers and Brake Discs

In the case of [disc brakes], it is possible that only one caliper loses pressure while the other continues to function. Although braking power will drop dramatically, it won’t disappear completely, which can allow the car to stop in relatively safe conditions.

Technically, hydraulic pressure is distributed unevenly between the two parts of the system. The functional caliper will need to compensate for the defective one, resulting in asymmetric braking that can cause the vehicle to pull to one side.

Loss of Brake Fluid

Another common cause is a burst brake line containing the fluid, resulting in significant fluid loss. In this scenario:

• Air bubbles will enter the system
• The system will overheat quickly
• Hydraulic pressure will be insufficient to effectively actuate the pads
• The pedal will become “soft” and go to the floor without effect

The Critical Role of the ABS System

[ABS system] can make the difference between life and death in critical moments. This system prevents wheel lock during braking, maximizing grip and allowing you to maintain direction control.

If your car does not have ABS, try to simulate the system’s operation by pumping the brake pedal intermittently. This technique helps prevent complete wheel lockup and ensures more effective braking than when wheels are locked.

Emergency Braking Techniques

Staying Calm and Assessing the Situation

First and foremost, stay calm and take a deep breath. Panic can lead to wrong decisions that worsen the situation. Quickly evaluate the surroundings and identify:

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• Areas with fewer pedestrians or traffic where you can deviate
• Descending slopes that can help reduce speed
• Open spaces where impact would be less severe

Using Engine Braking

A proven method for emergency braking is using engine braking. The technique differs depending on the type of transmission:

For manual transmissions:

• Downshift gradually, skipping 2–3 gears depending on the speed
• Bring the engine up to high revs, close to the redline
• Avoid downshifting directly to first gear, except in extreme emergencies
• Use this technique only when speed is below about 10 km/h in first gear

The advantage of high engine revs is the very strong braking force the engine can apply via cylinder compression.

For automatic transmissions:

• Switch the shifter to manual or sport mode
• Downshift as aggressively as the system allows
• For older transmissions with positions marked “D”, “3”, “2”, “1”, use them progressively up to the initial gear
• Automatic transmissions provide weaker braking power compared to manual ones

Handbrake as a Last Resort

The emergency brake (handbrake) can be used as an additional braking method, even with modern electronic systems. However, use this method with caution:

• Apply gradually, not abruptly, to avoid rear-wheel lockup
• Remember that the handbrake acts only on the rear wheels
• At high speeds, this method can cause loss of control

Strategies for Extreme Situations

When Conventional Methods Fail

If none of the listed methods work or braking remains ineffective, the strategy shifts to minimizing damage:

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In an urban environment:

• Steer toward isolated and less populated areas
• Avoid busy intersections and bus stops
• Use a continuous horn to warn pedestrians
• Turn on the hazard lights

In an rural or open-area environment:

• steer toward open fields or soft vegetation
• Use the shoulder for extra friction
• Keep the vehicle straight to avoid a rollover

Preparation for Impact

If impact becomes unavoidable:

• Choose the safest target (fences, vegetation, low walls)
• Avoid areas with passengers, poles, and large trees
• Ensure the seat belt is fastened
• Prepare yourself mentally and physically for impact

Preventing Brake System Failure

Preventive Maintenance

The best strategy against brake failure is regular preventive maintenance:

Regular service checks:

• Check the brake fluid level and quality
• Inspect pads and discs for wear
• Check the seals of hoses and fittings
• Test the effectiveness of the ABS system

Warning signs:

• A soft pedal or one that goes to the floor
• Unusual noises during braking
• Vibrations in the brake pedal
• Pulling to one side when braking
• Hazard lights on the dashboard

Checks You Can Do Yourself

• Visually inspect the brake fluid level in the reservoir
• Look for fluid spots under the car after long parking
• Test braking efficiency in safe conditions at low speeds
• Check pad wear through the holes in the rims (where visible)

Although we hope no driver ever faces such a dangerous situation, understanding these techniques and having mental preparation can save lives. Regular preventive maintenance and adhering to service intervals remain the safest way to avoid such scenarios.