What to Do If Your Brakes Fail While Driving

If your brakes fail, stay calm, lift off the accelerator, downshift to lower gears for engine braking, rapidly pump the brake pedal to build pressure if it sinks, apply the parking/emergency brake gradually, signal and steer to a safe shoulder, and stop without shutting off the engine until you’re stationary. This article explains how to recognize brake failure, the correct step-by-step response recommended by road safety organizations, what to avoid, and what to do afterward.

Recognizing Brake Failure

Understanding how brake failure feels can shave seconds off your reaction time. The symptoms vary by cause—hydraulic leak, brake fade, vacuum booster failure, or electronic issues—and each suggests a slightly different response.

• Pedal goes to the floor or feels “spongy”: possible hydraulic leak or failing master cylinder.
• Pedal is very hard and stopping distance is long: potential loss of power assist (engine stalled or booster issue).
• Burning smell, smoke, and fading braking power after sustained braking: brake fade from overheated pads/fluid.
• Vehicle pulls to one side under braking: uneven braking, possible line or caliper failure on one side.
• Warning lights (brake/ABS) or chimes: system fault; braking capacity may be reduced.

If any of these occur, assume braking capability is compromised and begin controlled deceleration immediately using the steps below.

Immediate Actions: Step-by-Step

The following sequence aligns with guidance commonly shared by traffic safety authorities and driver training programs. Execute calmly, in order, and adjust for your vehicle type.

1. Lift off the accelerator and keep steering straight. Scan ahead for space and an escape route; activate hazard lights and, if needed, use your horn to alert others.
2. Downshift progressively to use engine braking. For automatics, move to lower ranges (L, 2, 1 or B). For manuals, shift down one gear at a time without over-revving. Maintain engagement to maximize engine braking; do not shift to neutral unless the engine is unintentionally accelerating.
3. Try to restore brake pressure. If the pedal sinks, pump it rapidly and firmly—this can build enough hydraulic pressure for a temporary stop. If the pedal is rock-hard (power assist lost), press much harder—use both feet if necessary—while continuing to downshift.
4. Apply the parking/emergency brake gradually. For a hand lever, lift slowly while holding the release button to modulate and prevent rear-wheel lockup. For a foot or electronic parking brake, apply gently; in many vehicles, pulling and holding the electronic brake switch engages controlled emergency braking through the rear brakes.
5. Steer toward the right shoulder or a safe, open area. Use uphill grades, wide shoulders, or an emergency escape ramp if available. If you must scrub speed, gently brush tires along a curb or guardrail while maintaining control.
6. Do not turn off the engine until stopped. Keeping the engine running preserves power steering and (in many vehicles) some brake assist/ABS functionality. Never shift into Park while moving.
7. After stopping, secure the vehicle. Set the transmission to Park (or first gear for manuals), apply the parking brake, turn off the engine, and place warning triangles/flares if safe. Arrange a tow—do not drive the vehicle again.

These actions prioritize controlled deceleration, vehicle stability, and communication with other road users, improving your odds of a safe stop under stress.

Special Situations and Vehicle Types

On a Long or Steep Descent

Brake fade is common on long downgrades if brakes overheat. Shift to lower gears early to let the engine do the work, maintain larger following gaps, and avoid riding the brakes. If fade occurs, continue downshifting and use the parking brake in small, pulsed applications to avoid overheating it too. For heavy vehicles, use designated runaway ramps immediately.

Electronic Parking Brakes (EPB)

Many modern cars allow emergency braking by pulling and holding the EPB switch; the system may pulse the rear brakes and coordinate with ABS to reduce lockup. Check your owner’s manual for the specific emergency procedure—practice locating the control so you can use it without looking.

EVs and Hybrids

Regenerative braking can slow the car when you lift off the accelerator or select B/L modes. If the hydraulic brakes are compromised, maximize regen by fully releasing the accelerator and choosing stronger regen modes. Note that regen may be limited at high state-of-charge or cold temperatures, so still use downshifts (if available) and the parking brake as needed.

Motorcycles

Roll off the throttle, downshift smoothly to increase engine braking, and apply remaining functional brake (front or rear) progressively to avoid lockup. Use lane position and escape routes aggressively. If one circuit fails, rely on the other while downshifting and aim for a safe shoulder.

What Not to Do

Certain reactions can turn a recoverable situation into a crash. Avoid the following mistakes while managing brake failure.

• Do not switch off the ignition while moving; you may lose power steering, brake assist, and could lock the steering in some vehicles.
• Do not yank the parking brake abruptly; this can lock the rear wheels and cause a skid or spin.
• Do not shift into Park or Reverse while moving; this can destroy the transmission and lock wheels.
• Do not weave unpredictably through traffic; signal intentions early and move deliberately to the shoulder.
• Do not resume driving “to the shop”; have the vehicle towed and inspected by a qualified technician.

Steady, methodical actions preserve control and buy you space and time—both crucial to stopping safely.

After You Stop: Inspection and Next Steps

Treat any brake failure or severe fade as a critical defect. A professional should diagnose the cause and verify full braking performance before the car returns to the road.

• Check brake fluid level and for external leaks at lines, hoses, calipers, and wheel cylinders; inspect the master cylinder.
• Assess pad/shoe thickness, rotor/drum condition, and signs of overheating or glazing.
• Evaluate the brake booster and vacuum supply (or electric booster on some modern vehicles).
• Scan for ABS/ESC fault codes; repair sensors, modules, or wiring as needed.
• Flush contaminated/overheated fluid and bleed the system; use the manufacturer-specified fluid.
• Road-test in a controlled area to confirm normal pedal feel, straight stops, and warning lights off.
• Check for active recalls or service bulletins; report defects to your national safety authority if applicable.

Complete repair and verification ensures the underlying problem is resolved, not just temporarily masked.

Summary

When brakes fail, prioritize control: lift off the accelerator, downshift to harness engine braking, try to restore pedal pressure, and apply the parking brake gradually while signaling and steering to a safe stop. Keep the engine running until stationary, and never drive the vehicle again until a qualified technician confirms the braking system is fully restored.

What is one way to correct brake failure while driving?

Shift Into a Lower Gear
If pumping the brake doesn’t seem to be doing anything, take your foot off the accelerator and try downshifting to a lower gear. If you have a manual transmission, try working your way down through the gears so your engine can help slow your vehicle down.

What should your first action be if your brakes have failed?

If your brakes fail, the first step is to pump the brake pedal rapidly to build hydraulic pressure and restore some braking power. If pumping the brakes doesn’t work, downshift to a lower gear to use engine braking to slow the car. Next, gradually and carefully apply the emergency (parking) brake to slow down further without skidding. As you slow, turn on your hazard lights and steer to a safe area, then do not turn off your car.
 
Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Pump the Brakes 
   • Continuously pump the brake pedal rapidly and forcefully to try and build pressure in the hydraulic brake system. This is sometimes called “pumping the brakes” and can restore enough pressure to slow the vehicle. 
2. Downshift to a Lower Gear 
   • If pumping the brakes doesn’t work, take your foot off the accelerator and slowly shift to a lower gear. For a manual transmission, this involves carefully releasing the clutch. For an automatic, you may use a lower gear selection like “L”. This will use engine braking to help slow the vehicle down. 
3. Apply the Emergency Brake 
   • If the other methods aren’t working, carefully and gradually pull the emergency or parking brake lever. Applying it too quickly can lock the rear wheels and cause a skid, so use it cautiously to gain control. 
4. Steer to Safety 
   • As you’re slowing down, steer the car to the side of the road, an empty parking lot, or any safe area. 
5. Warn Other Drivers 
   • Turn on your hazard lights to signal to other drivers that you are having a problem. Honk your horn to get more attention. 
6. Do NOT Turn Off the Car 
   • Do not turn off your vehicle, as this will also disable your power steering and may cause you to lose control of the steering wheel. 

What should you do if your brakes fail in a CDL?

If your commercial vehicle’s brakes fail, immediately pump the brake pedal to generate pressure, then downshift slowly to reduce speed. Activate hazard lights and honk to warn others, and look for a safe escape route or use guardrails. Cautiously apply the emergency (parking) brake, but be prepared for it to be insufficient on its own.
 
1. Stay Calm and Alert Others 

• Don’t Panic: Remain calm to maintain control of the vehicle. 
• Hazard Lights: Turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers. 
• Honk: Use your horn to alert others of the danger. 

2. Slow the Vehicle

• Pump the Brakes: Pump the brake pedal hard and fast to try to rebuild hydraulic pressure. 
• Downshift: Take your foot off the accelerator and slowly downshift to a lower gear to use engine braking. 
• Turn off Cruise Control: If it’s on, turn off the cruise control. 

3. Use the Emergency Brake 

• Apply Cautiously: Carefully engage the emergency or parking brake.
• Adjust Pressure: Press the release button or pull the lever simultaneously to prevent the wheels from locking up.

4. Steer to Safety 

• Find an Escape Route: Steer the vehicle toward the side of the road, a soft shoulder, or an open area like grass or sand. 
• Use Guardrails: In a highway emergency, you can gently scrape the side of your vehicle against a guardrail to help slow it down. 

5. When Stopped

• Secure the Vehicle: Once stopped, pull the vehicle completely off the road. 
• Get Help: Turn off the ignition and call for roadside assistance or a tow truck. 
• Professional Inspection: Have the brake system inspected by a professional to identify and fix the cause of the failure. 

What is the correct action in the event of brake failure?

If your brakes go out, you want to do three things. First, downshift to a lower gear. Second, if you have regular brakes pump the brake pedal fast and hard to build up brake fluid pressure. If the brakes haven’t started working after three or four pumps go on the step three which is use the parking brake.