chapter 8 — emergency strategies Strategies: handling brake failure driving tip Engine problems  Strategies: handling engine failure warning! If you have power or  power-assisted steering,  you can still steer even  after the engine has  stopped. You just need  to use more effort. If the  engine stops, don’t turn  the ignition off, because  the steering will lock. If your brakes ever fail:  You never know when the engine may die. You need to move  out of traffic and into a safe place as quickly as possible if this happens.  If your engine ever fails: If your vehicle catches fire,  stop and get everyone out  immediately. Do not open  the hood — that could  cause the fire to spread.  Move well away from the  vehicle. 127 • Don’t try to do roadside repairs on crowded and fast‑ moving freeways.  • Never get into a stranger’s vehicle. Ask them to  continue ahead and phone for you.  • Consider carrying a cellphone if you often travel on  freeways or isolated roadways.  • Stay with your vehicle. Put an S.O.S. notice in your windshield.  • Set out flares or a warning triangle if it is dark or visibility  is limited.  • Turn on your hazard lights.  • Try to get to the nearest exit or service area or pull off  the road as far as possible if you are on a busy highway  or freeway. Avoid stopping on a bridge or in a tunnel if  at all possible.  • Signal and steer to the edge of the road.  • Don’t panic. Keep thinking about the hazards in front of  you and how to avoid them.  • Look for an escape route or something to slow you  down (for example, side road, open field).  • Pump the brakes hard and fast. You may be able to get  enough braking action to stop the car.  • Gear down to the lowest gear so the engine will help  slow you down.  • Apply the parking brake gently and gradually. Use the  brake release as you do this, so you are prepared to  release the brake quickly if the car goes into a skid.  • Use the hazard lights or the horn to warn other drivers.