Question 4795
While you are driving, the braking system fails. What must you do?
- Steer the vehicle toward an obstacle to stop it.
- Pull the parking brake lever sharply.
- Release the accelerator and slow down using engine braking.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: Release the accelerator and slow down using engine braking.
If the brakes fail while you are driving, release the accelerator and shift down smoothly, one gear at a time, so the engine gradually slows the car. Yanking the parking brake can lock the wheels and make you skid. Use it at the end, once you are going slowly, pulling it gradually. Scraping the car along an embankment or guardrail is a last resort, avoiding a collision with something rigid, such as a wall or tree.