Knowing how to stop your vehicle should your brakes happen to fail is extremely important. The braking system is one of the most important safety features a vehicle possesses, and if it does not work properly, you are at risk of injury as well as damaging your vehicle if you are unable to stop the vehicle on your own. Here are some tips you can use in an attempt to stop your vehicle if you find there is no response when you push down your brake pedal.

Try Pumping Your Brakes To Dislodge Bubbles

If your braking line happens to get an air bubble trapped inside, the brake fluid will not be directed toward your brakes when needed. This can cause a no-stopping condition when you apply pressure to your brake pedal. In an attempt to get the air bubble out of the way so fluid can flow properly, a pumping action can be done to try dislodging air effectively. Pump your brake pedal several times as soon as you notice your vehicle is not slowing when you try pressing the pedal as you normally do. If the air is moved from this process, the brake pedal will once again work in stopping your vehicle. 

Downshift The Vehicle To Get It To Slow Then Stop

When you discover your vehicle is not stopping, attempt to downshift from the drive mode to a lower speed. When you put your vehicle into low one or two, the transmission will adjust the speed of the vehicle, possibly helping you slow down as a result. This should be done in an area where you are able to get off the side of the road if possible. Doing this along the shoulder, especially in an area where there is an incline in the road, will help in slowing your vehicle effectively. When it has slowed down substantially, you can then place your vehicle into neutral until the vehicle rolls to a stop. You can then put your vehicle in park and call an auto repair service for assistance.

Try Using Your Emergency Brake To Stop Your Vehicle

All vehicles are constructed with a back-up braking system in case the primary one falters. Make it a priority to look in your vehicle's handbook to determine where your emergency brake lever is located. This can be gently pulled to stop a vehicle in an emergency situation. Many use this braking system to give their vehicle a bit of extra protection from rolling when parked on a hill. 

For more information on faulty car breaks, contact businesses such as Hillis 66 Service.

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