Brake Failure:

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• Shift into a lower gear, release the clutch pedal (for manual transmissions) and apply the emergency brake.
  
  
• If the car is equipped with automatic transmission, apply the emergency brake and move the gear control lever into the low-range position.

This could cause damage to the emergency brake and the transmission, but under the circumstances of brake failure there is no better choice.

Wet Brakes:

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You can help to dry the brakes by:

• driving a short distance; and
  
  
• applying light pressure to the brake pedal.

The heat generated by the friction of the brakes against the brake drum will evaporate the water from the brake linings.

To prevent excessive wear on brakes when moving down a long hill or steep grade, use a lower gear instead of the brake pedal to control speed. It is best to shift to the lower gear at the top of the hill before you descend.

Gas Pedal Sticks:

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If your gas pedal sticks:

• tap the gas pedal to try to unstick the throttle linkage or lift the pedal with your foot;
  
  
• shift to neutral and apply firm pressure to the brakes without locking the wheels; and/or
  
  
• find a safe place to move the vehicle completely off the road.

Blowouts:

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If a blowout occurs:

• hold the steering wheel tightly and try to keep the car straight on your side of the road;
  
  
• reduce speed;
  
  
• do not apply the brakes until the engine has slowed the car to allow you to maintain control of the vehicle; and
  
  
• find a safe place to move the vehicle completely off the road.

If you begin to feel a bumpy ride when there is no obvious reason, stop and check your tires. You can tell a blowout by a loud noise and by the way the car begins to swerve.

Use caution before changing a flat tire:

• Move the vehicle completely off the road.
  
  
• Set the parking brake and use emergency flares (if you have them) to warn other drivers.
  
  
• Direct all passengers to leave the car by the passenger side of the car. Never allow passengers to remain in the vehicle during a tire change. Move passengers off the road or shoulder - do not allow them to stand in front or to the rear of the vehicle.
  
  
• Turn on the emergency flashers and parking lights.
  
  
• Block the wheels to prevent the car from rolling.

Breakdowns:

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Do not attempt to make repairs on a vehicle while it is in an area exposed to other traffic. Ask a passing driver to get help for you by calling any law enforcement agency.

What you should do if your vehicle breaks down:

• Exit the main part of the road - move the vehicle completely onto the shoulder of the road.
  
  
• Make sure you leave the car by the passenger side, and do not allow passengers to remain in the car.
  
  
• Stand off the road and away from the car - do not stand in front or to the rear of the vehicle.
  
  
• If you need help, tie a white cloth to the left door handle or the radio aerial and raise the hood of the car.
  
  
• If it's dark, turn on the parking lights or emergency flashers. Always have flashlights or flares in your car for emergencies.

Unusual Emergencies:

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An approaching car that crosses the center line into the path of your vehicle is a danger. You should:

• reduce speed immediately;
  
  
• sound your horn; and
  
  
• keep to the right even if this means running off the road.

Tips to follow if you run off the pavement and onto the shoulder:

• Do not immediately apply the brakes or try to turn back; you could skid, lose control or overturn.
  
  
• Slowly remove your foot from the accelerator and steer straight ahead.
  
  
• Allow the engine to slow the vehicle.
  
  
• When the car is stopped or nearly stopped, check for approaching traffic and if it’s safe, gradually drive back onto the road.

Skids:

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Certain roadway conditions such as wet roads, ice and packed snow are more likely to cause skids.

To avoid skidding when driving with these roadway conditions:

• reduce speed gradually;
  
  
• start to move in second or high gear and slowly release the clutch (manual transmission) or use second gear (automatic transmission); and
  
  
• pump the brakes gently to slow the car down. Pumping your brakes gives the tires better traction.

If you find yourself in a skid:

• Slowly ease your foot off the accelerator.
  
  
• Turn the steering wheel in the direction the rear of the car is skidding.
  
  
• As soon as the vehicle’s path begins to straighten, turn the steering wheel back the other way so you will not over-steer.