What should you do if your brakes fail?

When faced with brake failure while driving, shifting to a lower gear and pumping the brakes are both critical actions to help regain control of the vehicle. By downshifting, you can utilize the engine's braking power, which naturally slows the car down as opposed to relying solely on the brakes. Pumping the brakes can sometimes build up pressure enough to engage the braking system momentarily, allowing for some degree of control and slowing.

In situations of brake failure, these techniques can help to avoid a collision or reduce the vehicle's speed effectively. It is important to remain calm so you can execute these actions effectively. While the emergency brake can be used to stop the vehicle, it should be applied with caution as it may cause the vehicle to skid, especially if applied suddenly. Steering onto the shoulder can be a good option, but the immediate steps of downshifting and attempting to use the brakes are essential for safely managing the crisis.