Driving in Chicago’s busy traffic is challenging enough, but a brake failure can be downright scary. If you ever face this emergency, you need to know exactly what to do if your brakes fail to avoid a crash. Stay calm, pump the brake pedal to try rebuilding pressure, and shift into a lower gear to slow down. Use your emergency brake carefully to gradually bring the car to a stop, and keep steering until you find a safe spot to pull over. For more help or immediate support, call Insure on the Spot in Chicago at 773-202-5060.
1. Stay Calm and Try the Brakes Again
Staying calm is Rule #1 when your brakes fail. Panicking can lead to jerky movements or poor decisions on Chicago’s busy streets. Take a deep breath so you can focus on getting the car slowed down safely. Take your foot off the accelerator immediately to prevent the car from picking up speed.
Next, give your brakes another chance. Pump the brake pedal rapidly and firmly several times. This can sometimes rebuild enough hydraulic pressure to get some braking power back, especially if one brake circuit is still working.
Pumping the brakes also flashes your brake lights, warning drivers behind you that you’re trying to slow down. In many newer cars with ABS, holding the pedal down firmly is advised, but in an older car without ABS, pumping is your best bet. Either way, don’t give up on your regular brakes after one press – try a few times while you prepare for the next steps.
2. Downshift Gradually to Slow the Vehicle
Shifting into a lower gear is the next key step to slow your vehicle without brakes. Downshifting uses your engine’s resistance to reduce speed. If you drive a manual transmission, shift down one gear at a time, letting the clutch out gently each time to avoid skidding. In an automatic car, you can usually drop the selector to a lower gear (like “L” or “2”) or use paddle shifters if equipped. Even if you don’t manually shift, simply keeping your foot off the gas will allow an automatic transmission to downshift gradually as you slow.
Engine braking won’t bring you to a complete stop, but it can significantly cut your speed. This is especially helpful if your brakes fail while going fast on an Illinois highway or down an incline. For example, dropping to a lower gear on the Kennedy Expressway or Lake Shore Drive can give you more control and time to find a safe place to pull over. Be careful not to downshift too abruptly (avoid jumping from fifth gear straight to first). And never shift into Park or reverse while moving, as that can ruin your transmission and cause you to lose control.
3. Use the Emergency Brake Carefully
Once you’ve downshifted and still need more stopping power, turn to your emergency brake (also called the parking brake). This brake operates independently of your main hydraulic brakes, usually using a cable to manually engage the rear brakes. It’s your backup method to slow the car when the regular brakes fail, but you must use it properly.
Apply the emergency brake slowly and steadily. Do NOT just yank up on the brake lever or stomp the e-brake pedal — locking the wheels at high speed can make your car skid or fishtail. Instead, gradually pull the hand brake or gently press the parking brake pedal, feeling for the car to decelerate. If the wheels lock up and the car starts to slide, ease off slightly to regain traction.
In newer cars with an electronic parking brake switch, you might need to press and hold it to engage the emergency braking function (check your owner’s manual ahead of time). The key is to use the parking brake in a controlled manner so you stay in control of the vehicle as it slows down.
4. Steer to Safety and Alert Other Drivers
While executing the steps above, you also need to focus on where you’re heading. Turn on your hazard lights as soon as you realize your brakes have failed – this alerts other drivers that you’re having an emergency. If needed, honk your horn and flash your headlights to get the attention of nearby drivers or pedestrians. The goal is to communicate that something is wrong so others give you space.
Next, look for a safe spot to pull over or even coast to a stop. Aim for the path of least danger. If you’re on a Chicago expressway like the Dan Ryan or I-290, try to steer toward the shoulder or an off-ramp. In the city, seek an empty parking lot, side street, or any open area away from traffic. An uphill road or incline can also help you slow down more quickly. Avoid swerving across lanes; instead, signal and gradually move over. You want to get out of the flow of traffic as smoothly as possible.
If you absolutely cannot stop in time to avoid a collision, choose the least dangerous object to impact. It’s better to scrape along a guardrail or hedge than to hit another vehicle head-on. Sideswiping a wall or fence will damage your car, but it can help slow you down safely. Always prioritize avoiding injury to yourself and others. Even in a dense Chicago neighborhood, aim for something like a garbage bin or shrubbery (anything that’s softer than a car) if it means preventing a worse accident. By steering calmly and intentionally, you can minimize damage and stay safer until the vehicle finally comes to a stop.
5. Stop Completely and Get Help Immediately
Once your car finally comes to a stop, keep it that way and get help. Take a moment to breathe – you’ve made it through a frightening ordeal – but don’t drive anywhere yet. Turn off the engine once you’re fully stopped and keep your hazard lights on. Now it’s time to address any aftermath and get assistance immediately. Here’s what to do:
- Check for injuries and call 911 if needed: If you or anyone else was hurt or there was a collision, call for medical help and police right away. Safety is the top priority.
- Stay out of traffic: If you’re in the middle of the road in Chicago traffic, and it’s safe to do so, carefully exit your vehicle and move to the side of the road. Otherwise, stay seat-belted in your car with hazards on until help arrives (especially on highways).
- Call for a tow or roadside assistance: You’ll need to get your car to a mechanic since the brakes aren’t working. Do not attempt to drive the vehicle again, even if it seems “okay” after cooling down. Call a tow truck, roadside assistance service, or a family member for help getting the car to a repair shop.
- Alert your insurance company if an accident occurred: If your brake failure resulted in any damage or crash, contact your auto insurance agent to start a claim. In Illinois, you’re required to carry liability insurance, which can cover damage to others’ property. Your collision coverage (if you have it) can help pay for your car’s repairs. Reporting the incident ensures you get the coverage you’re paying for.
After the scare of a brake failure, get a professional to fix the issue before you drive again. This is also a good reminder to keep up with regular brake maintenance so you’re less likely to face this problem in the future. Chicago’s stop-and-go traffic and harsh winters can be tough on cars, so taking care of your brakes and having reliable auto insurance will keep you safer in the long run.
Brake Failure Do’s and Don’ts at a Glance:
| Do: | Don’t: |
| Stay calm and keep control of the vehicle. | Panic or make sudden, unsafe moves. |
| Pump the brakes to try restoring pressure. | Yank the emergency brake all at once. |
| Downshift gradually to use engine braking. | Shut off the engine while the car is moving. |
| Steer into a safe, open area away from traffic; use hazards and horn to alert others. | Swerve recklessly or head toward other vehicles. |
| Pull over and call for a tow or help. | Try to drive the car again without brakes. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Does car insurance cover accidents caused by brake failure in Illinois?
A: Yes, standard car insurance will cover accidents caused by mechanical failures as long as you have the appropriate coverage. Illinois drivers are required to carry liability insurance, which will pay for damage to others if your failed brakes cause a crash. If you have collision coverage on your policy, it can help pay for repairs to your vehicle as well.
Q: What should I do if my brakes fail on a busy Chicago highway?
A: Stay calm and focus on slowing down safely. Turn on your hazard lights, gently downshift through your gears, and start moving toward an exit or the shoulder. Use your emergency brake carefully if needed, and avoid sudden swerves as you bring the car to a stop off the road.
Q: Is it illegal to drive with faulty brakes in Illinois?
A: Yes, it’s against the law to drive a vehicle that doesn’t have proper working brakes. Illinois requires all cars to have effective brakes on multiple wheels, so driving with bad brakes could get you a ticket for unsafe equipment. More importantly, it’s extremely dangerous – always get faulty brakes fixed immediately.
Q: How can I prevent my brakes from failing?
A: Regular maintenance is the best prevention. Have your brakes inspected at least once a year (or at every oil change) and replace the brake pads before they wear out completely. Also, keep an eye on your brake fluid level and address any dashboard brake warnings or unusual sounds right away.
Q: Does Chicago’s winter weather increase brake failure risks?
A: Chicago winters can contribute to brake problems over time. Road salt can corrode brake lines and other components, which may lead to leaks or brake failure if not cleaned and maintained. Extremely cold temperatures can also reduce braking performance slightly, so it’s important to keep your brake system in good shape during the winter months.
Get a Quote Today!
As a Chicago-based insurer, Insure on the Spot understands the challenges local drivers face. Our team is here to find you the right coverage at a great price so you can drive with confidence. Call 773-202-5060 or get a Free Quote Online Today to see how we can help protect you on the road.