When you are driving, things can happen very quickly. You may only have a fraction of a second to make the right move. Here are some guidelines that may help in handling emergencies.
Brake Failure
Pump the brake pedal rapidly several times. You may be able to work up enough pressure to stop the car. If this does not work, shift into the next lower gear. As the car begins to slow down, shift again. To slow down further, apply the parking brake. You may use your left foot on the parking brake and remember to hold the release button off. While doing this, you can quickly release the parking brake for a moment. If the car begins to skid, and if the road is wet, it can develop into a problem. Remember the parking brake is a separate braking system and brakes only the two rear wheels. When brakes are over used, such as going downhill or even driving with your foot riding on the pedal, they can overheat. The best solution is to stop and let them cool off. Pull off of the highway to a safe place. Make sure there are no objects, such as a wadded floor mat, drink can, etc, that may be keeping you from being able to press the pedal down. Never try to remove the object out from under the pedal while you are driving. Remember to release the parking brake if you are going to push or tow your vehicle.
Different vehicles have different braking systems. It is important to read your owner's manual to know exactly what kind of brakes that you have so you know how to react in certain emergencies.
Breakdown
If possible, park where the disabled vehicle can be seen for 200 feet in each direction. If possible, safely move the vehicle so that all four wheels are off the pavement. Place your car in park if you have an automatic transmission. If your car is equipped with a manual transmission put your car in gear. Don't forget to engage your parking brake and turn on your emergency flashers. Get all passengers out on the side away from traffic. Raise the hood and tie a white cloth to your left door handle or radio antenna. It is safer to stay with your car than to go for help.
Dead Battery
A dead battery will prevent your car from starting. Consult your owner's manual or textbook for correct procedures for "jump-starting" a battery. Jump-starting can be dangerous if you do not have the right equipment or knowledge to perform the task. A battery can explode if jumped improperly.
Fire
Most car fires start in the engine compartment. Quickly steer the car out of traffic and off the roadway to a safe open area. Stay away from buildings and service stations. Turn off the car. Get all the passengers out and away from the car. If the fire is small and you have a portable extinguisher, you may attempt to extinguish the fire. Do not raise the hood if the fire is in the engine compartment, as air will cause it to flare up. Never apply water to a gasoline fire. If you cannot control it, get away from the vehicle due to the presence of toxic fumes and possible explosion. Make sure someone has called the fire department (911).
Flat Tire or a Blowout
When a front tire blows out, the car pulls strongly in the direction of the deflated tire. You must steer firmly against the pull of the car to keep the car on its intended path. A left front is especially dangerous. The car might pull left toward the lane of oncoming traffic. When a rear tire blows out, the back of the car can fishtail. Handle a rear blowout like a skid. Grip the steering wheel firmly and ease up on the accelerator. Avoid braking. Steer the vehicle in the direction you want the front end to go and coast into a safe location. If you are going to change the tires, check the owner's manual for the correct procedure. This maneuver should always be performed off the paved portion of the highway.
Engine Warning Light On
When the engine warning light on your dash board comes on, it may say "check your engine" or "check oil" or "hot". Stop your vehicle as soon as possible off of the roadway. Continuing to drive your vehicle may cause severe damage to the engine. Follow the instruction as shown on the dash. Remember, if it is hot; do not open the radiator until it has cooled. Check your owner's manual for proper procedures.
Flooded Engine
An engine floods when too much fuel but not enough air reaches the engine. Depress the accelerator fully for 5-10 seconds. Release the accelerator and re-start the engine. If the engine does not start within the allowed time, wait several minutes and try again.
Headlight Failure
If you find yourself suddenly without headlights, stay calm. Do not slam on your brakes. Try working the light switch and hit the dimmer switch. Some circuits might still work. Use whatever lights are available to help you drive off the roadway to a safe location. Make your vehicle seen by others. Use your directional signals and four-way flashers if they are working.
Hood Flies Up
When you are driving along and suddenly your hood flies up, brake smoothly to slow the car down. Try looking out the left side window or the gap where the hood hinges to the rest of the vehicle's body. Use your mirrors to check the rear to see how close another car may be before you brake. Turn on your turn signal and exit to a safe location off the roadway.
Jammed Gas Pedal
If you let up on the gas pedal and the engine does not slow, your accelerator pedal is probably jammed. Keep your eyes on the road. Do not tap the gas pedal with your foot as it may stick farther down and cause the car to go faster. Try to pry the pedal up with the toe of your shoe. Never try to reach down to dislodge the pedal yourself. You cannot afford to take your eyes off of the road. Shift into neutral. The engine will race faster, but the power is removed from the wheels. Follow an escape path to a safe place off of the roadway. Turn off the ignition when you are off the road and no longer need to change direction.
Power Steering Failure
A failure in the power-steering system is the most common type of steering "failure". Power steering failure occurs when the engine dies, when the power-steering fluid in the system is low or when a drive belt slips or breaks. The steering mechanism still works but you must exert much effort to steer. As soon as possible, take the vehicle to a service center to be repaired.
Right Wheels off the Pavement
Take your foot off the gas pedal. Hold the wheel firmly. The greater the drop-off between the roadway and the shoulder, the greater amount of steering control you need. Keep your car in a straight line. If possible avoid braking. Wait until the road is clear and return back on the pavement at a slow speed.
Skidding
If your car skids you need to respond quickly and calmly. A car will skid when the tires lose their grip on the pavement. Slippery surfaces combined with a sudden movement may cause you to skid. High speed, especially on curves may also lead to skidding. When you feel your car begin to skid, take your foot off the gas pedal and do not use your brakes, unless you are about to hit something. Steer the car into the direction of the skid to straighten the vehicle out. Be prepared to counter steer, then steer in the direction you wish to go. Straighten the steering wheel as soon as you are going in the correct direction. If you do not straighten in time, the car will begin to skid in the opposite direction. Begin to correct your steering as soon as you go into the skid. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to come out of the skid. All of your steering movement must be quick but smooth. Once you are going straight again, you may begin to accelerate slowly.4
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