Did you know that on an average, we use our car brakes about 75,000 times per year? Brake failure is probably one of the scariest things that can happen while you're on the road. Although very rare (5% of accidents are caused by brake failure), it will still be of great help to you if you know exactly what to do if you ever encounter this problem. One of the most common types of brake problem is caused by a hydraulic leak within the braking system. If there's a leak, some of the brake fluid can escape and this would affect brake pressure which will reduce the car's ability to stop. If you notice that the brake feels soft it means that it is not working properly. What do you have to do? Apply a mild pumping action to the brake pedal to build up some pressure and this will allow you to stop in a safe manner. Bring your car to the mechanic immediately to avoid total failure of your brake system.
What if you experience brake fade? Do not worry because hot brakes do not usually last and your system will return to normal in a couple of minutes but you may want to stop by the side of the road to let the mechanism cool down. If you are driving downhill, stay in a lower gear to help slow the vehicle without overusing your brakes.
If you think you are having a total brake failure, do not panic too much because this will not save you. Presence of mind is very important in this kind of situation. Pump your pedal to check if you can get back some brake pressure, this will help you stop and make sure you send some signals to let the drivers behind you know that you are trying to stop or slow down. You may also want to use your handbrake to come to a complete stop. However, if everything else fails and you are about to face a crash, you have to drive into an obstacle that will gently absorb the crash forces. A parked car or a brick wall will stop you gentler than a tree or lamp post.
