No driver wants to experience brake failure. Realizing that your car isn’t coming to a stop when you apply pressure to the pedal can be a fearful experience. It’s important for you to stay calm and take action quickly so you can get to safety and call roadside assistance. Here are some of the most important steps you’ll need to keep in mind if this ever happens to your vehicle.

3 Important Steps to Take When Your Brakes Fail

1. Downshift & Apply the Emergency Brake

If you can’t come to an immediate stop using your regular brakes, try to come to a stop gradually using your emergency brake. In most cars, this is a hand lever near the center console, but some have it as a pedal to the far left of your brake and gas pedals. Make sure you know where it is before getting behind the wheel just in case you need it. If you’re driving a vehicle with a manual transmission, it may also help to downshift to a lower gear, but do this gradually rather than all at once, since that can cause you to skid.

2. Move Safely Off the Road

As you’re slowly coming to a stop, try to veer off to the side of the road as much as possible, making sure no other drivers or pedestrians are in the way. If this isn’t possible, come to a stop and activate your hazard lights to signal to other drivers that you need help. If you have any safety triangles or road flares, use them to increase your visibility on the road if it’s dark.

3. Call Roadside Assistance

Once you’re away from traffic, call roadside assistance to move you and your vehicle to safety. Do not try to operate your vehicle again until you have the brakes inspected and fixed by a professional. Even if they seem to be working again, you don’t want to take the chance that failure will occur again.

If you need roadside assistance in Western New York, contact The Hole Works. Based in Franklinville, NY, the company offers a wide array of products and services, including hole drilling, auto parts, and equipment rental. The AAA®-towing provider responds quickly and provides friendly and cost-effective service. The team is known for being dependable and trustworthy, whether you need a tow or need help finding the hardware supplies for your next DIY project. Call (716) 676-3998 or contact the team online to request service.