Quality brakes are essential for keeping you and others safe on the road. To avoid brake failure, it’s important to get regular inspections and replace any worn down parts. However, if your brakes do fail while you’re driving, there are a few key steps you must take to minimize the damage. Here are the best practices to keep in mind, along with some common mistakes to avoid.

Do:

Engage the emergency brake.

The emergency brake can serve as a backup when your traditional brakes fail. In most cars, it is a hand lever near the center console. However, it’s important to check in your own vehicle, so you know exactly how to activate yours. This may not cause your vehicle to completely stop right away, but it should help you slow down significantly.

Get safely off the road.

As you slow down and bring your vehicle to a full stop, try to get as far off to the side as possible. If you can, pull completely off the road. If not, bring the vehicle to a stop in the far right lane and then push the vehicle off the road while traffic is clear. Activate your hazard lights to alert other drivers that your vehicle isn’t functioning correctly.

Don’t:

Panic.

Safely handling a brake failure requires a clear head. If you panic, it can take you longer than necessary to act. Just breathe and focus on slowing down your car instead of worrying about the negatives.

Turn off the car before coming to a full stop.

Some drivers think that turning off the car will bring the car to a stop. However, this can damage your engine and will impede your ability to steer. Only turn the engine off when your car is safely off the road or it’s an absolute emergency.

If you need to repair or maintain your brakes, contact the professionals at Dee’s Auto Care Specialists. The auto repair shop provides a wide array of services, ranging from oil changes to tire replacements. The certified and experienced team receives continual training, so they can always deliver expert service using the most efficient methods and tools possible. Visit them online to learn more about their preventive maintenance services. To schedule an appointment, call (608) 782-2530 for the La Crosse, WI, location, (608) 783-0500 for the Onalaska, WI, shop, or (507) 452-1115 for the Winona, MN, location.