Experiencing brake failure while driving an automatic car can be terrifying, but staying calm and knowing what to do can prevent serious accidents. This guide explains practical steps to safely bring your car to a stop when your brakes suddenly stop working.

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1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

The first step is to remain calm. Panic can lead to wrong actions like slamming the accelerator or jerking the wheel. Instead, keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and check your surroundings. Identify open areas or shoulders where you can safely slow down.
2. Downshift Gradually

In an automatic car, shift from “Drive (D)” to lower gears like “3,” “2,” or “L.” This is called engine braking—it uses the engine’s resistance to reduce speed. Move through the gears slowly to avoid damaging the transmission. Engine braking won’t stop the car instantly but will significantly slow it down.
3. Use the Emergency Brake Carefully

The handbrake or parking brake can help when regular brakes fail, but it must be applied gently. Pull the lever or press the button slowly to avoid locking the rear wheels. If the car starts skidding, release slightly and reapply gradually. Modern cars with electronic parking brakes often allow controlled braking when applied continuously.
4. Steer Toward a Safe Area

If traffic allows, steer toward the roadside, open fields, or an upward slope—gravity helps slow the car. Avoid steep downward slopes or crowded intersections. Use hazard lights and horn to alert other drivers that your vehicle is in trouble.

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5. Use Friction to Slow the Car

If possible, brush the tires gently against curbs or barriers to create friction and reduce speed. Avoid sharp impacts that can cause loss of control. Grass, gravel, or sand can also help slow the car down faster than smooth asphalt.
6. Turn Off the Engine Once Speed Drops

After the car has slowed to a safe speed (below 20 km/h or 10 mph), shift to “Neutral (N)” and turn off the ignition. Do not remove the key completely, as it may lock the steering wheel. Once stopped, apply the parking brake fully and call for roadside assistance immediately.

Knowing how to react during brake failure can make the difference between safety and disaster. This guide emphasizes that calm, step-by-step control—rather than panic—is the key to stopping an automatic car safely when the brakes fail.

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