What to do if your brakes fail

There is no greater driving nightmare than when you are hurtling along at 100kph and discover that your brakes have failed. Putting aside Toyota's recent efforts, the instances of brake failure are not completely uncommon and it’s in every driver’s interest to know what to do.

The number one rule in this situation is: DON’T PANIC. This, understandably, is easier said than done but if you do lose control of yourself, you will lose the vital few seconds that can make the difference between life and death, or at the very least a nasty dent in your pride and joy.

If the brake pedal is soft, pump it hard to try and get the last bit of pressure back in to the system which can work if it is a problem with the fluid levels or cylinder.

If the brake pedal is stiff there may be an obstruction underneath the pedal like a bottle or can. If there is a passenger in the car get them to check or use your foot to dislodge it.

If this doesn’t work it's time to use the engine to slow the car down. Gently depress the clutch to avoid locking your wheels and cycle down through the gears. This should significantly reduce your speed and you are going to want to get under 50kph as soon as you can.

Getting under 50 kph will allow you to begin using the hand brake without fear of spinning or flipping the car. Use it gently unless oncoming obstacles demand you to break hard.

If you can remember to turn your hazard lights on, this will lessen the potential obstructions that you have as other road users can see you are in trouble.

Finally, if you are in a worst case scenario where there is no time to use the above methods then you should use terrain such as gravelled surfaces and crash barriers to slow the car.

And remember, DON’T PANIC.

Leo Stiles