A step-by-step guide to making and managing a car insurance claim if your motor vehicle is damaged in an accident or unforeseen event.
Safety
What to do if your brakes fail in an automatic or manual car
Taking good care of your vehicle's brakes is crucial for your safety. Brake failure can be a terrifying experience, but this step-by-step guide tells you how to react in an emergency to help reduce the risk of an accident.
Brakes are one of the most important safety features in any vehicle, so maintaining them in top condition is essential for your safety and the safety of others on the road. Over time components of the braking system can wear out, become damaged or develop issues, which is why it is so important to have your car routinely inspected and maintained to help avoid brake failure.
If you ever hear odd noises or feel odd sensations when using your brakes, immediately take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic.
More: Car repairs and maintenance you shouldn’t delay
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What to do if your car brakes fail
Try to remain calm
Having your car brakes fail can be scary, but try not to panic. Do not turn the car, quickly pull the handbrake, or immediately go down to first gear. These actions could cause skidding and loss of control over the car. Instead, take a deep breath and follow the below instructions.
Turn on your hazard lights
If you have enough time, and it is safe to do so, switch on your hazard lights. This warns surrounding drivers that you're experiencing a problem, so they can keep their distance. Turning on your hazard lights can therefore help you avoid potential collisions.
Continuously pump the brake pedal
Next, pump your brake pedal several times. This can build up enough pressure in the brake system to slow your car down, especially if your brake fluid is low. If you do feel brake pressure return, gradually press down on the brake until you come to a full stop.
Even if pumping your brake pedal does not engage the brake system, your brake lights blinking on and off will help warn other drivers that you are attempting to stop.
If you drive an EV, it has the added advantage of regenerative braking. Once you lift your foot off the accelerator, the EV will naturally start to brake, even without the use of your brake pedal.
Look for upcoming emergency stopping lanes or bays. Image: Getty
Gradually shift into lower gears
Next, gradually downshift: that is, shift your car into lower gears. In a manual car, downshift as normal. Try not to skip gears, which may lock the wheels.
In an automatic car, removing your foot from the accelerator will allow your car to downshift by itself. You may be able to help the process if the car has a gear shifter or paddle shifter, which you usually engage using the 'sport' or 'sequential' mode. Read your user manual to learn how this works in your car.
This will engage engine braking, which restricts airflow inside the engine and creates a vacuum that provides some resistance to your cylinders. That resistance slows your engine's speed, which in turn slows the car.
The key here is 'gradually': try not to downshift too rapidly, which can cause skidding. Also avoid putting your car into neutral, as this removes all engine braking.
Slowly apply the handbrake
After downshifting to the lowest gear possible, slowly apply your handbrake (also called a parking brake or emergency brake). This brake operates independantly of the main braking system to slow the car from its rear wheels in an emergency.
It's important not to apply your handbrake too quickly, or while at a high speed. This can cause your rear wheels to lock up and your car to skid. Gently pull rather than yank and be aware that you may have to coast for a short time as you downshift before applying the handbrake.
If you have an e-brake (electronic handbrake), push and hold the button to engage the emergency brakes.
Steer towards an emergency stopping lane or other safe place
As you attempt to slow your car, scan the road for a safe place to steer towards.
Ideally, you can use an emergency stopping lane or bay. Otherwise, you may have to use the shoulder of the road, an empty parking lot, a side street, or an open field. If you're moving at highway speeds with traffic around, you may need to use the guard rails, side barriers or divider to scrape the side of your car in order to slow down. Remember: your life, and the lives of those around you, are more important than your car.
Once you have identified the least hazardous place to stop your car, carefully steer towards the area. Check your mirrors and blind spots, signal, and keep your steering smooth and controlled.
Check that everyone is safe and uninjured before dealing with any damage. Image: Getty
Come to a complete stop before turning off your vehicle
Never turn off your vehicle before you come to a complete stop. This will turn off power steering, making your car harder to control, or even lock your steering wheel.
Once you have come to a complete stop, turn off your car and ensure the parking brake is on so the vehicle won't move any further.
Call your roadside assistance
Don't attempt to move your car yourself. If possible, exit the vehicle, keeping your car between yourself and any moving traffic, and stand away from the road.
Now you can call your emergency roadside assistance and explain your situation. They can organise towing to a mechanic that can fix the brake issue before you drive again.
Record any damage to help when making a car insurance claim
If you had a collision during your brake failure, turn off the engine and turn on your hazard lights. If you need emergency services, call 000. Take down the details of the people involved and take photos of the incident scene and damage.
Find out more about what to do if you're in a minor car accident, including what information to record and whether you need to contact the police, here.
Record any damage to your vehicle and the other vehicle to help with insurance claims. Image: Getty
How to help prevent brake failure
It's important to pay attention to your driving habits and to regularly maintain your vehicle to help prevent brake failure. If you notice a grinding noise when you brake, a dashboard warning light, or a spongy-feeling brake pedal, take your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as possible.
Here are some tips to avoid brake failure:
- Pay attention to your driving habits - avoid sudden stops and hard braking to help prolong the lifespan of your brakes.
- Regularly check your brake fluid - if your brake fluid is low, there may be a leak in the brake system; if the fluid is dark, it may need changing.
- Have your brakes regularly serviced - a qualified mechanic can inspect your brakes for any worn or damaged parts, as well as check for any signs of brake fluid leaks or other problems. They will also replace worn brake pads.
- Invest in quality brake parts - low-quality parts may be more prone to failure than high-quality brake parts.
