What action should you take if your brakes fail?

When faced with brake failure, shifting to a lower gear can help slow down the vehicle through engine braking, which utilizes the engine's resistance to decelerate the car. This method is particularly effective in maintaining control while reducing speed. In addition, using the parking brake is a critical step in this situation; it can bring the vehicle to a stop safely. However, it should be engaged gradually to avoid skidding or losing control.

Engaging both tactics helps the driver manage the vehicle more effectively during a potentially dangerous situation, providing an opportunity to stop the vehicle in a controlled manner. This approach also allows more time to react and make informed decisions about maneuvering the vehicle to a safe location.

Other actions, such as shifting to a higher gear or simply using the horn, are not effective solutions in addressing brake failure. Steering off the road can be risky without proper braking control, as it might lead to loss of handling.