From 100kmh to Zero Without Brakes

What Should I do if my brakes fail?

Total brake failure is rare, however, if you need to stop ‘NOW!’ use the handbrake in an on-off
pumping motion, keep the release button pressed as you do this. If there’s time, change to second gear (Manual Transmission) and bring the clutch up gently (the engine compression will make the clutch feel like a brake) then use the handbrake to stop. In an automatic, shift to L-’low’ – if there is a manual option on your auto, change down one gear at a time.

If you have a leg-brake you need to operate the brake release handle at the same time to avoid locking the rear wheels – hand brake only operate on the rear wheels (with very rare exceptions).

Warning: Using the hand brake or dropping a gear at high speed could be dangerous and lead to a loss of control – lose as much speed as you can naturally before doing either of these things.

If you use the hand brake pull it gradually – a sudden tug on the brake or push on the hand brake pedal could lock the wheels and lead to loss of control. Locking the wheels might slow the car quickly in a straight line but the resultant skid could make the vehicle uncontrollable, possibly skidding off the road. If you have an electronic hand brake only use it in a last resort emergency – these brakes tend to operate on an ‘on/off’ basis and will probably lock your wheels solid.

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