What should you do if you experience brake failure?

If you experience brake failure, using the emergency brake and downshifting to lower gears is the most effective response. The emergency brake, also known as the parking brake, is a secondary braking system that can help slow the vehicle. When combined with downshifting, which involves shifting to a lower gear, you can take advantage of engine braking. This process helps reduce speed more gradually and safely than relying solely on the emergency brake.

It's crucial to maintain control of the vehicle during this situation, and lower gears can help manage speed without locking the wheels, which could lead to a loss of control. Using the emergency brake should be done cautiously, as applying it too quickly can cause the wheels to lock up, especially in a tractor-trailer setup.

In contrast, accelerating to gain speed does not address the brake failure issue and can lead to more dangerous situations. Turning off the engine could lead to a loss of power steering and power brakes, making the vehicle harder to control. Pulling over to the side of the road without slowing down is not advisable, as it does not account for the need to safely decelerate the vehicle before attempting to stop. Thus, employing the emergency brake and downshifting is the best course of action to mitigate the