Brake repair should always be performed in a timely manner. If you find yourself in a situation where it's a matter of life or death, use your head.
Brake repair should always be performed in a timely manner. Sometimes this is actually a matter of life or death. Brakes are the automotive components that stop a moving vehicle. If these items don’t work,
death and destruction can surely occur. Most drivers just expect these components to work when they push their foot on the pedal. The pedal is made from steel and attached to a metal rod which emits pressure on the master cylinder. This foot stomp action also activates the rear brake lights, an important safety feature that alerts other motorists of your impending halt. Master cylinders are made up of fluid reservoirs, pistons, fluid lines and the caliper. All of these devices must work in conjunction with each other to stop the rapid motion of a car. When they don’t do their job, calamity may occur. Here are some emergency situations to be prepared for:
System that is locked up: Wet surfaces after rain, sleet or snow may cause a vehicle’s braking system to lock up. When this happens, the vehicle may begin to spin out of control. A driver’s first reaction may be to press the pedal even harder. This, unfortunately, will make the situation even worse. If this frightening scenario occurs, a motorist should stay calm and slowly pump the pedal. This should slow down their careening auto. Anti-lock devices have been used in icy regions in order to avoid just such an occurrence.
Even after the pedal is pushed, the car won’t stop: This is a scary situation that can have devastating consequences without a skilled response from the driver. It is truly an emergency. First thing a motor vehicle operator should do is survey the situation. The emergency brake may be utilized with success unless the lines have been severed through accidental means or criminal intention. If this lever works, hooray, the situation is resolved. If it doesn’t, time to make some quick decisions. If there is an open field nearby, it would be wise to pull off into it. Take the foot off the gas and steer the vehicle over the terrain. Bushes and shrubs that are low may be helpful in slowing the car, too. If the shrubbery is too high, it could make the situation worse. This is a good time for quick thinking and sound judgment. The most important things to remember are “don’t panic” and “stay away from other cars and buildings.”
Runaway trucks: On mountainous roads, trucks hauling large loads can become runaways as they are pushed along by the momentum of their heavy cargo. Many times, the freeway engineers have placed runaway truck ramps along these route for situations such as these. The driver will just need to turn off and let the vehicle skid to a stop.
Cars toting trailers: The runaway truck lesson is one that auto owners hauling trailers should think about, as well. When toting a trailer, especially a weighty one with cargo, the dynamics of the vehicles’ stop and go systems will be altered. Stopping the car may be more difficult. The driver should practice before taking it out on the highway at top speeds.
Don’t forget about downshifting: Another way to halt a speeding vehicle is by downshifting. This is especially true of those with manual transmissions. Downshifting into lower gears will slow the auto down without utilizing brakes. Automatic transmissions often have lower gears that may be used as well.
Emergency brake repair happens to everyone on occasion. Don’t panic; when brakes don’t work, use your brain and you'll be fine.
