In this report
Overview
Brake failure
Crashes
Deep water
Electrical storm
Fire
Locked in car
Overheating
Sliding sideways
Snow, mud, or sand
Sudden acceleration
Thick fog
Tire blowout

Brake failure

Last reviewed: September 2010
September 2010 issue cover This article appeared in
September 2010 Consumer Reports Magazine.
Illustration showing shifting to a lower gear
Illustration by Myles Talbot

Total brake failure happens rarely, but it can be a terrifying and dangerous experience nonetheless.

  • Shift into a lower gear if your car has an automatic transmission; downshift if it has a manual.
  • Apply the emergency brake.
  • Steer to the side of the road.
  • Switch off the engine.