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What should you do if your conventional disc or drum brakes fail suddenly?

  1. Brake continuously

  2. Shift into reverse

  3. Shift into low gear and pump the brake pedal

  4. Shift into neutral and apply the handbrake

The correct answer is: Shift into low gear and pump the brake pedal

If your conventional disc or drum brakes fail suddenly, shifting into low gear and pumping the brake pedal is the correct course of action. By shifting into a lower gear, you leverage engine braking to help slow down the vehicle in the absence of effective brakes. Pumping the brake pedal can sometimes build up enough hydraulic pressure to engage the brakes partially, aiding in slowing down the vehicle. This combination can help you maintain some control over the vehicle and potentially bring it to a stop safely. Shifting into reverse (option B) is not recommended as it could cause further damage to the vehicle and may not effectively slow it down. Applying the handbrake after shifting into neutral (option D) may not be as effective in stopping the vehicle compared to shifting into a lower gear and utilizing engine braking. Braking continuously (option A) is not advised as it can lead to loss of control and potential accidents due to the lack of functioning brakes.