You are driving down a slight decline toward a busy intersection when your service brake pedal sinks completely to the floorboard and fails to slow the vehicle. Pumping the pedal several times yields no braking pressure. Which of the following actions is the correct procedure to bring the vehicle to a safe stop?
- Downshift to a lower gear to use engine braking, then gradually apply the parking brake while holding the brake release button or lever.Answer
- BTurn the ignition switch completely off and remove the key to shut down the engine immediately.
- CYank the parking brake lever quickly up to its maximum point to lock the rear wheels as fast as possible.
- DShift the transmission into neutral and maintain posted speed limits until an uphill off-ramp or flat area appears.
Answer
Downshift to a lower gear to use engine braking, then gradually apply the parking brake while holding the brake release button or lever.
When primary hydraulic service brakes fail completely, downshifting reduces speed through engine resistance. Following this with a steady, progressive application of the parking brake allows mechanical deceleration while retaining full steering ability.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Brake Failure Control and Emergency Deceleration