Final answer:
In case of hydraulic brake failure, pump the brake pedal, use the emergency brake, downshift to reduce speed, and steer to a safe place. Do not drive until the issue has been resolved by a professional.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the case of hydraulic brake failure, it is important to react calmly and follow specific steps to ensure safety. The brakes in a vehicle may fail due to a loss of brake fluid or a malfunction within the hydraulic system. Hydraulic brakes operate on Pascal's Principle, which ensures that pressure applied at one point of the system is transmitted equally to other parts of the system. This is done through fluid in the master and slave cylinders, denoted by areas A1 and A2.
If you experience brake failure while driving, the first step is to try pumping the brake pedal to build up enough pressure to engage the brakes. Should that not work, use the emergency or parking brake with gradual pressure to avoid losing control. Additionally, shift your vehicle into a lower gear to allow engine braking to slow the car. If needed, carefully steer your vehicle to a safe area or the side of the road. Once stopped, do not attempt to drive the vehicle again until it has been serviced by a qualified mechanic. Remember not to shut off the engine until you have come to a complete stop; otherwise, you may lose power assistance to your steering and brakes, making it harder to control your vehicle.