What should you do if your brakes fail while driving?

If your brakes fail while driving, one recommended action is to pump the brake pedal to try to build up pressure. This technique may help restore some braking ability, as it can sometimes generate enough hydraulic pressure to engage the brakes momentarily. By repeatedly pressing the brake pedal, you can determine if there is any residual braking power left in the system.

This option is especially pertinent in emergency situations, as it allows the driver to potentially regain some control over the vehicle before resorting to additional measures. In contrast, turning off the engine could lead to a loss of control as the steering may become difficult; immediately pulling over without assessing the situation might not be safe depending on your surroundings; and braking hard without any braking power could result in a loss of control and increase the chance of an accident. Therefore, attempting to pump the brake is a proactive and potentially effective first step in dealing with brake failure.