What happens to the car if your brakes fail?

• A. The car will not start.
• B. The brakes will seize.
• C. The car will not stop.
• D. The steering will fail.

Answer: (C)

Brakes are what slow and stop the car, so when they fail you lose the ability to bring the vehicle to a stop. If the braking system isn’t working, pressing the brake pedal won’t slow the car, and you can’t stop in time without using other methods. That’s why the key idea here is that the car will not stop.

In a brake-failure situation, your focus should be on controlled slowing and finding a safe place to stop. Downshift to use engine braking and ease off the accelerator to reduce speed. If it’s safe, you can use the parking/emergency brake gradually to help slow the vehicle, steering toward a shoulder or open space while warning others with hazard lights. Once you’ve reached a safe spot, pull over and call for assistance to have the braking system inspected before continuing.