Putting your car in a lower gear forces the engine to slow the car. This will allow you to have enough time to make it to the shoulder or to safely pull over somewhere away from the road. Whether you are using an automatic or manual gear, try to downshift smoothly through the gears. If you downshift too fast, your car will skid.

Do not shut off the car to stop it, it won’t do anything but to lose your power steering. And lastly, do not put the car in neutral or you will lose the engine braking effect.

1.2 Use the Emergency Brake

Most new cars have a good strong emergency brake. These modern cars can help in stopping your vehicle slowly. But in vehicles with manual gears, the emergency brake is often found at side of the driver seat and it looks like a hand-activated lever located behind the shifter.

The emergency brake or “hand brake” helps in stopping your vehicle. But it is not that effective compared with the original brake. It stops the rear wheels from working. But using this break does not guarantee it will immediately stop your vehicle, using it on a high speed will make your vehicle to drift.

1.3 Move in the right lane as soon as you can

When you are on a freeway, move towards the right lane as soon as you feel that you are losing your brakes. This would allow you to have constant speed without being scared of getting hit by other fast moving vehicles. Moving to the right lane will help you reach the shoulder. If you are about to change a lane, watching your mirrors and the traffic around you is essential.

1.4 Let go of your gas pedal

Your goal is to slow down and pull over. People who panic while driving do not let go of their gas pedal. But releasing your gas pedal will help you to naturally slow down. If your car slows down, allow it to naturally stop, or use the emergency brake to stop it. Then you can call the nearest vehicle care center to have a tow your vehicle towed.

1.5 Notify others

Turn your hazards on and honk your horn until you are stopped, so that other motorists will know to give you plenty of room. This will allow you to avoid any accident or collision against other vehicles.

1.6 Keep Calm

No matter how good you are in knowing the steps, when you panic, you will freeze when this situation arises. With proper knowledge on this situation, you can perform these steps correctly without having any problem.

1.7 Once your vehicle stops, ask for help

Do not be tempted to drive the vehicle again. If the brakes suddenly started working, have your car be towed to a Vehicle care center, or dealer for inspection and repair.

Premier Auto Service

7210 Senate Ave,

Houston, TX 77040

(713) 896-6111

http://premierautoservicejv.com/