Daily Survival Guide

How to Stop a Car with No Brakes
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1. Pump the brake pedal.
   you may build up enough pressure in the braking system to slow down a bit.


2. Shift the car into the lowest gear possible and let the engine and transmission slow you down.


3. Pull the emergency brake--but not too hard.
   Pulling too hard will cause the rear wheels to lock and the car to spin. Use even, constant pressure. In most cars, the emergency brake is cable-operated, serving as a fail-safe brake that should still work when the rest of the braking system has failed.


4. Look for something to help stop you.
   A flat or uphill road that intersects with the road you are on, a field, or a fence will slow you further but not stop you suddenly. Avoid trees and wooden telephone poles; they do not yield easily. Do not attempt to sideswipe oncoming cars.