Recently, a driver in Pennsylvania experienced brake failure while exiting a highway and subsequently shared his emergency handling experience, gaining millions of views on TikTok.

Michael, who posted the video, stated that his vehicle suddenly lost all braking power while descending a hill. According to him, the incident occurred abruptly, with virtually no prior warning signs. From his personal experience, Michael believes many people are unaware of how to react during brake failure.

Regarding handling the situation, Michael emphasizes prioritizing the use of the parking brake, but engaging it gradually. Depending on the vehicle model, this brake might be a hand lever, a foot pedal, or an electronic button, but the general rule is that it should not be pulled abruptly.

He explained that if engaged too quickly, the rear wheels could lock up, causing the vehicle to lose stability and skid. The parking brake operates via a cable mechanism, only affecting the rear wheel brakes, making its stopping power weaker than the main hydraulic system. While it cannot stop the car quickly, this system can still reduce speed if used correctly.

Michael shares how to handle brake failure. Photo: Unsplash

The appropriate method is to engage the brake in gradual pulses, possibly releasing slightly before re-engaging to prevent overheating the brake pads. Additionally, drivers should downshift to utilize engine braking. Whether a manual or an automatic vehicle with a manual mode, shifting to a lower gear creates drag between the engine and transmission, helping the vehicle decelerate naturally.

He also recommends practicing emergency situations in a safe environment, such as an empty parking lot at low speeds.

According to advice from Allstate, when experiencing brake failure, drivers should depress the brake pedal steadily as modern vehicles have dual braking systems, use the parking brake, downshift for engine braking, activate hazard lights, and steer the vehicle out of the traffic lane. Experts also caution against turning off the engine before the vehicle has fully stopped, as this can lead to loss of power steering or lock the steering wheel.

Data from LookupAPlate shows that brake failure accounts for about 0,44% of car accidents in the US, equivalent to about 264,000 incidents annually. The risk is higher in older vehicles and hot weather conditions.

The parking brake operates independently of the main braking system, typically only affecting the rear wheels, requiring judicious use to prevent overheating or vehicle instability. Downshifting also creates natural drag, assisting in deceleration during emergencies.

Ho Tan (via Motor1)