What should you do if you detect that your vehicle's brakes are not responding properly?

If you detect that your vehicle's brakes are not responding properly, shifting to neutral and steering safely is the appropriate action to take. This method allows you to take control of the situation without panicking. By shifting to neutral, you disengage the engine's power from the wheels, which helps slow the vehicle down naturally as it coasts. Additionally, steering safely enables you to navigate away from potential hazards or obstacles on the road.

This approach prioritizes maintaining control over the vehicle and gives you a chance to safely bring it to a stop without further compromising your safety or that of others. It's crucial to avoid sudden movements, which could exacerbate the loss of control. Engaging the emergency brake could be an option, but it's usually recommended to do so only when you're already significantly slowed down, as it can cause the rear wheels to lock up and lead to potential spins. Continuing to drive until stopped could pose serious risks to yourself and other road users if the brakes fail completely.