What should you do if you experience engine failure while driving?

Experiencing engine failure can be a frightening situation while driving, but knowing how to respond correctly can help ensure your safety and that of others on the road. Shifting to neutral allows you to maintain control of the vehicle without the engine's power; this action helps prevent the car from stalling abruptly. By steering to a safe location, you can guide your vehicle away from traffic and hazardous areas. Using the brakes as needed is crucial to slow down and stop safely, especially if you are moving into a tighter space or approaching a stop.

Turning off the engine immediately could lead to a loss of steering control and brake function, making the situation more dangerous. Pumping the gas pedal is futile since engine failure usually indicates that fuel delivery or ignition has already failed, so this action would not get the engine to respond. Accelerating to maintain momentum could lead to erratic vehicle handling or difficulty controlling the car, which is generally counterproductive in a situation where you need to stop safely.