Brake failure is a rare but serious emergency for a motorist to encounter on the road. Unresponsive brakes could lead to a serious or potentially fatal accident. While your first instinct may be to panic, it’s important to stay calm and know what to do to get yourself safely off of the road. Here are the steps you should follow before seeking emergency brake service.

What You Should Do When Experiencing Brake Failure

1. Downshift to a Lower Gear

Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers before downshifting to a lower gear. If you have an automatic transmission, this means moving from “D” to “3,” “2,” or “1.” If you’re traveling on the highway, do not immediately downshift to the first gear. Instead, move down in stages to help slow your vehicle down.

2. Engage Your Emergency Brake

Your emergency brake can also be used to slow down your vehicle. However, you must be careful when applying it. Moving the brake too quickly might cause your wheel to lock up. If your wheel and tires do lock up, release the emergency brake to avoid a more dangerous situation, such as skidding. 

3. Look For a Safe Location

As you are slowing down, keep your eyes open for a safe location, away from moving vehicles, where you can move off of the road. Once you come to a complete stop, immediately contact a brake service shop for repairs. Your car should not be driven again until it has been serviced and tested by a technician. 

When it’s time to schedule brake services, turn to the professionals at Davis Tire in Chillicothe, OH. Their experienced technicians specialize in a wide range of auto repair and maintenance services. From tire replacements and oil changes to brake repairs and wheel alignments, you can count on their technicians to get you back on the road safely. Call (740) 774-3363 today to schedule an appointment for brake service, or visit their website to read some more car care tips.