If your brakes fail, what initial action should you take?

When faced with brake failure, the most immediate and effective action is to pump the brake pedal to regain pressure. This technique can sometimes restore enough hydraulic pressure in the brake lines to activate the brakes momentarily, allowing the driver to slow down or stop the vehicle safely. It's a critical initial step that can provide the driver with additional control over the vehicle.

Pumping the brakes works well in various brake systems, especially if the brake failure is caused by air in the lines or a minor fluid leak. If this action does not yield results, the driver can then consider additional measures, such as downshifting or using the emergency brake, but initially attempting to regain pressure by pumping the brakes is the most effective approach.

While shifting to a lower gear can help slow the vehicle through engine braking, it should not be the first action taken because it may not address the immediate issue of losing brake function. Turning off the engine could lead to a loss of power steering and increase difficulty in controlling the vehicle. Accelerating to stop would make the situation more dangerous, as it could lead to an increased risk of an accident.