What should you do if your brakes fail while driving?

If your brakes fail while driving, shifting to a lower gear and using the engine to slow down is a recommended action. This technique, often referred to as engine braking, helps reduce speed without relying on the brake system, allowing you to maintain some control over the vehicle. By downshifting, the engine speed increases, creating resistance that helps slow the car down as you approach a safe stopping point.

Utilizing this method can be particularly effective because it minimizes the chances of losing control of the vehicle, which can happen if abrupt or hasty actions are taken, such as trying to brake hard or swerving abruptly. It's a gradual means of slowing down that offers better stability and control.

In contrast, turning off the ignition can lead to a complete loss of vehicle control because you would also lose power steering and brakes that function with engine vacuum pressure. Braking hard may actually make the situation worse, especially if the vehicle does not stop effectively due to the brake failure, possibly causing a skid or loss of control. Steering towards an empty space can be a part of crisis avoidance, but without first attempting to slow down using engine braking, you might not have enough control to safely navigate to that space.