Emergency Procedures
- 1/30If your brakes suddenly fail while driving
Brake failure can result from hydraulic or air pressure loss. Shift to lower gears, pump brakes if possible, and use the parking brake with controlled pressure.
When brakes fail on a downhill slope
On long hills, use escape lanes or gravel beds to safely stop a runaway vehicle. Avoid waiting too long or speeds will increase dangerously.
If pumping the brake pedal doesnt restore pressure
Pumping may restore hydraulic pressure. If not, apply the parking brake gradually and steer toward an open area.
If the accelerator gets stuck
If the throttle sticks, shift to neutral immediately. Do not turn off the engine until you’ve reduced speed to avoid losing steering or braking assist.
When your engine stalls in traffic
A stalled engine disables power steering and brakes. Shift to neutral, coast safely to the side, and warn other drivers using hazard lights.
If a tire blows out at high speed
Do not brake suddenly. Hold the steering wheel tightly, ease off the accelerator, and steer straight until you regain control, then pull over safely.
At the first sign of engine overheating
Pull over as soon as it safe. Open the hood carefully not immediately, and wait for the engine to cool before checking coolant levels.
When your vehicle suddenly starts skidding
Take your foot off the accelerator and avoid braking. Steer in the direction the rear of the vehicle is sliding to regain control.
If your headlights fail at night
If both headlights fail, turn on hazard lights, reduce speed, and pull off the road. Avoid continuing to drive in the dark without lighting.
When smoke or fire comes from your engine
Move away from the vehicle, do not open the hood immediately, and call emergency services. Use an extinguisher only if the fire is small and safe to approach.
At the scene of an accident
Turn on hazard lights, place warning triangles, assist the injured if safe, and call 9999. Do not move injured persons unless there immediate danger.
If your vehicle stalls on a railway crossing
Evacuate all passengers. Run at a 45-degree angle from the tracks in the direction of any approaching train to avoid flying debris.
When your vehicle breaks down on a highway
Pull onto the shoulder, turn on hazard lights, and place warning triangles 50 to 100 meters behind the vehicle to alert approaching traffic.
If hazard lights fail in an emergency
If hazard lights are nonfunctional, use other visible markers like a raised hood, reflective jackets, or flashing a torch to alert others.
At night during an emergency stop
Use hazard lights, warning triangles with reflectors, and position the vehicle well off the road. Wear a reflective vest if exiting the vehicle.
If your vehicle is stuck in sand or mud
Shift between forward and reverse gently. Use boards, mats, or sand ladders under the wheels for traction. Lowering tire pressure slightly can help.
When a power steering failure occurs
Without power assist, steering becomes harder and especially at low speeds. Slow down gradually and pull off the road as safely as possible.
At the first sign of brake fluid leakage
Leaking brake fluid can cause complete brake failure. Do not continue driving until the system is repaired and fluid restored.
When smoke comes from the dashboard or wiring
Electrical fires can spread quickly. Turn off the ignition, exit the vehicle, and avoid using water on electrical components.
If stranded during severe weather or fog
Keep hazard lights on, stay inside for warmth and safety, and use reflectors or markers to make your vehicle visible to others.
If your vehicle breaks down in a tunnel
Switch on hazard lights, place warning triangle behind the vehicle if safe, and exit the tunnel using pedestrian walkways or emergency exits.
When placing warning triangles
On highways, place the triangle 100 meters behind the vehicle on other roads, at least 50 meters. Place additional markers if visibility is low.
If involved in a minor collision with no injuries
If there are no injuries and vehicles are drivable, move to a safe spot. Exchange license, insurance, and registration information calmly.
When brakes feel spongy or slow to respond
Spongy brakes may indicate air in the system or fluid loss. Stop in a safe place and have the braking system inspected immediately.
If your windshield is suddenly blocked dust/sand
Reduced visibility is dangerous. Use wipers or washers if effective if not, pull over and wait for conditions to improve.
When emergency personnel arrive
Allow paramedics or police to take control. Answer questions clearly and only move your vehicle if instructed to do so.
If you are driving on a flooded road and engine stalls
Water can damage the engine and electrics. Abandon the vehicle if necessary and avoid attempting to restart in deep water.
At the sign of fuel or oil leaks
Fuel or oil leaks pose a fire hazard. Stop immediately, avoid sparks or flames, and have the vehicle inspected before restarting.
When a passenger has a medical emergency
Park safely, assist the passenger if trained, and call 9999 for ambulance support. Stay calm and provide accurate location details.
If your vehicle is overheating but not smoking
Turn off the A/C, open windows, and shift to a lower gear if needed. Pull over if the temperature continues to rise to avoid engine damage.