This post forms part of a series of forensic vehicle examiner posts, where we answer as many of the commonly asked questions we get as a forensic vehicle examiner. Our aim is to answer the most commonly asked questions and to dispel certain myths that lurk. If you have a question for our forensic vehicle examiner, simply drop us an email at enquiry@drivenforeniscs.co.uk We've all seen the crime TV shows, where a belligerent protagonist cuts a brake pipe which results in a car crash, but have you ever wondered how often it happens and what you should do if your car brakes fail? Instances of complete brake failure are rare, partly because of the resilience of the brake system, but mainly due to the way the braking system is designed and the redundancies built in. Like all components on your vehicle, with time your brakes will wear which is why your brakes need to be regularly inspected by a mechanic or vehicle technician. When these checks are neglected, it can lead to parts of the brake system developing a defect. But if you experience complete brake failure, what should you do? 1. Take your foot off the accelerator and select a low gear Taking your foot off the accelerator and changing to a low gear (i.e. 1st, 2nd, 3rd) will help reduce the speed of your engine and ultimately reduce the speed of your car by using engine braking. Engine braking is a resistive force which slows your engine down, which in turn causes your car to slow. By changing to a lower gear, you are also limiting your speed. 2. Warn others with your horn and lights In the event you lose the ability to brake, you need to assess the area around you. What are your nearest hazards, is anyone about to pull out in front of you or are pedestrians about to cross the road? You should make use of your hazard lights, headlight flash, horn and any other visual or audible aids you have fitted to the vehicle, to inform others around you that there is a problem. 3. Apply the handbrake The brakes you use when driving are operated (generally) by using fluid pressure, where brake fluid is forced through brake lines to activate the brakes. The handbrake on the other hand is generally a physical (mechanical) connection. In the event that your brakes fail, try to apply the handbrake. When doing this, be careful, if you apply the handbrake too quickly, you will lock the rear wheels which may affect the stability of your vehicle. 4. Use street furniture to help your vehicle slow down In order to slow, you need to make use of the physical features around you. An instance of this would be forcing your car against crash barriers or other similar solid objects. When doing this, you need to be careful that you do not engage the object (i.e. crash barrier etc) too quickly, so as gently (but as quickly) as you can, force the car against the object. The resistance between your car and the object, will help to slow your car. 5. Most important, don't panic It can be incredibly easy to say don't panic, but panicking will not help and if anything, it will hinder your attempts to slow your car. Been involved in a collision where the brakes have failed? If you have, you may need an expert to inspect your cars brakes to determine what happened and why. Our forensic vehicle examiner can arrange a forensic vehicle inspection to bring you the answers you need. An inspection should be undertaken as soon after the event as possible. If you need to speak to us, contact us today. T. 0113 534 8708 | E. enquiry@drivenforensics.co.uk