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Brake failure isn’t just a problem for commercial vehicles like trucks and buses. It can also happen to cars, including those with automatic transmissions.
It’s quite surprising that most car accidents caused by brake failure involve cars with automatic transmissions.
“Why are brake failures more common in automatic transmission cars on long, steep downhill roads or extreme inclines? It’s due to brake fading caused by the driver,” said Ahmad Wildan, a Senior Investigator at the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT).
Wildan explained that brake fading is a condition where the braking system components malfunction or even fail due to the driver’s excessive use of the brakes.
“For example, the driver may use the brakes to control the vehicle’s speed on a long, steep downhill road. This causes the brake discs to overheat and expand, rendering them unable to withstand the weight of the car. In other words, the brakes fail to function, which is commonly known as brake failure,” said Wildan.
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Investigations into brake failure accidents indicate that drivers often rely solely on the brakes to slow down. In fact, braking can also be done through engine braking, which involves shifting to a lower gear.
“Even the handbrake can be used, but it’s often unused, maybe because the drivers are nervous to think of it or they simply don’t know what to do. Unfortunately, many drivers also lack the skills to handle brake failure situations. However, these can be addressed,” said Wildan.
According to Wildan, there are several tips to address brake failure in an automatic car. First, pump the brake by pressing and releasing the brake pedal several times.
Second, release the gas pedal and gradually press the brake pedal. If the car’s speed can be slowed down slightly, downshift to a lower gear.
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The same method applies to manual transmission cars. Ensure the car slows down before shifting to a lower gear.
Once the car’s speed has been lowered through engine braking, immediately signal to other vehicles, both in front and behind, that you are in an emergency and need to pull over.
Once you’ve managed to slow down, find a safe spot to pull over and let the car rest until the brakes cool down.
He added that brake failure in cars can also be caused by improper brake usage and reliance solely on the primary brakes, in addition to poor maintenance. Brake components that need to be replaced are not replaced promptly.
The potential for brake failure due to poor maintenance should be a concern when purchasing a used car or renting one, as brakes are a crucial component in driving safely.
For better safety and guaranteed quality in car rentals, choose a reputable and professional rental provider like TRAC.
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As a pioneer in vehicle rental, TRAC has always been a reliable transportation solution for corporate and personal needs with self-driving and chauffer-driven services.
It offers a wide range of ready-to-use, well-maintained cars. SUV options are available, including Fortuner, Rush, Terios, and BMW X5. Check out more here.
For a convenient booking experience, go to the TRAC website’s reservation page. You can also download the TRACtoGo app, available on the Play Store and App Store.