If your brakes fail, what is the best action to take?

If your brakes fail, the best action to take is indeed to shift into a lower gear and to use the emergency brake. Shifting into a lower gear helps to reduce your speed by using engine braking, which can be an effective way to slow down the vehicle without relying on the brakes. This method takes advantage of the engine’s resistance as it slows down, providing a gradual means of stopping.

Using the emergency brake, or the parking brake, is also crucial in this situation, as it can help bring the vehicle to a complete stop. The emergency brake is designed to engage the rear wheels separately, which can help manage speed and control during a brake failure.

Combining both actions—shifting into a lower gear to slow the vehicle through engine resistance and using the emergency brake to bring the vehicle to a stop—provides a comprehensive approach to handle a brake failure safely. This dual strategy maximizes control and minimizes the risk of a collision or accident while trying to stop the vehicle.