Emergency Driving Procedures
Emergency Driving Procedures
Emergency situations sometimes arise that prevent your car from functioning properly. While these can be scary situations, it is important to remain calm, and know what to do when these situations arise. From brake failure to engine fires, always follow a few tips.
How to Avoid Vehicle Malfunction
1. Although some vehicle malfunctions may not be avoidable, routine maintenance helps keep the vehicle functioning at its best. Get oil changes every three months or after every 3,000 miles of driving. Also have your mechanic check brake fluid levels and power steering fluid levels. Pay attention to gauges while driving. If the oil light or "check engine" light turn on, drive slowly, stay away from heavy traffic and get your vehicle to a mechanic promptly.
Emergency Scenarios
2. Tire Failure
Tire failure most commonly occurs when a tire blows or becomes otherwise detached. Focus on steering to keep the car on the road and avoid traffic
obstruction. Do not slam the brakes. Steer the car and tap gently on the brakes, as not to create and sudden jolts that could throw the car off balance. Continue to slow down and tap the brakes until you have regained full control of the car and are able to safely pull off to the side of the road.
3. Brake Failure
When brakes fail, pump the brake pedal as hard and rapidly as possible. This will most times build up enough brake pressure to bring the car to a stop. Try to get the car off to the side of the road to prevent accidents from traffic moving behind you. The goal is to bring the car to a stop. Shift the car into a low gear, which will ease acceleration and slow the car, and also pull the emergency brake if necessary. Hold onto the release button of the emergency brake handle, as you may need to release the brake if the rear wheels lock, causing the car to skid.
4. Engine Fire
If the car engine begins to smoke or catch fire, pull off the road to a safe
Emergency situations sometimes arise that prevent your car from functioning properly. While these can be scary situations, it is important to remain calm, and know what to do when these situations arise. From brake failure to engine fires, always follow a few tips.
How to Avoid Vehicle Malfunction
1. Although some vehicle malfunctions may not be avoidable, routine maintenance helps keep the vehicle functioning at its best. Get oil changes every three months or after every 3,000 miles of driving. Also have your mechanic check brake fluid levels and power steering fluid levels. Pay attention to gauges while driving. If the oil light or "check engine" light turn on, drive slowly, stay away from heavy traffic and get your vehicle to a mechanic promptly.
Emergency Scenarios
2. Tire Failure
Tire failure most commonly occurs when a tire blows or becomes otherwise detached. Focus on steering to keep the car on the road and avoid traffic
obstruction. Do not slam the brakes. Steer the car and tap gently on the brakes, as not to create and sudden jolts that could throw the car off balance. Continue to slow down and tap the brakes until you have regained full control of the car and are able to safely pull off to the side of the road.
3. Brake Failure
When brakes fail, pump the brake pedal as hard and rapidly as possible. This will most times build up enough brake pressure to bring the car to a stop. Try to get the car off to the side of the road to prevent accidents from traffic moving behind you. The goal is to bring the car to a stop. Shift the car into a low gear, which will ease acceleration and slow the car, and also pull the emergency brake if necessary. Hold onto the release button of the emergency brake handle, as you may need to release the brake if the rear wheels lock, causing the car to skid.
4. Engine Fire
If the car engine begins to smoke or catch fire, pull off the road to a safe