1. Remain Calm:
- Staying calm is essential to prevent panic and make clear decisions.
2. Safety First:
- Immediately activate your hazard lights to signal to other drivers that your vehicle is experiencing a problem.
3. Engine Brake:
- Release the accelerator pedal and allow the car's engine to slow down the vehicle naturally.
- Downshift through gears if possible, which will create more engine braking.
- Do this method only if you are sure the car is stuck in a higher gear.
4. Use the Handbrake:
- Engage the handbrake gradually and smoothly to assist in slowing down the car.
5. Brake Pedal:
- If you are unable to downshift or use the handbrake effectively, apply the brake pedal firmly but not aggressively.
- This will create more resistance and slow down the vehicle.
- Be cautious not to press too hard, as it can lock up the wheels and cause a loss of control.
6. Find a Safe Space:
- As the car slows down, look for a safe area to pull over to the side of the road or to the shoulder of the highway.
7. Shift to Neutral:
- Once the car has come to a near-complete stop, try shifting into neutral gear if it's available.
8. Engage Parking Brake:
- Once you have pulled over safely, engage the parking brake fully.
9. Call for Assistance:
- Contact roadside assistance or a towing service to have your vehicle towed to a repair shop.
Remember, if the car gets stuck in a lower gear, you may have limited engine braking, and using the handbrake may be more effective in slowing the vehicle down. The key is to react swiftly yet carefully, making safety your utmost priority.
