The throttle of a car plays a crucial role in the operation of the vehicle. Therefore, when the car throttle gets stuck, the car can enter a dangerous state of loss of control, but this situation can be handled. When encountering this situation, the driver should perform the following steps to minimize serious accidents.
A stuck throttle is a very dangerous situation that requires the driver to remain calm to handle it. (Illustrative photo: Vinfastauto)
Stay calm: Although it is a dangerous incident, a stuck throttle can be resolved if the driver doesn’t panic. Losing calmness not only cannot solve the problem but can also cause serious consequences.
Absolutely do not turn off the engine: Turning off the engine when the car throttle is stuck, the power steering system is disabled, and the steering wheel becomes stiff, making it extremely difficult to control the car, putting the car in a dangerous state when running at high speed.
Do not engage the handbrake: The handbrake only works to keep the car stationary when the car is not in operation with the function of keeping the rear wheels from slipping. Therefore, when the throttle is stuck and the car is still running, the handbrake has no effect. If the driver intentionally uses the handbrake, it will lock the rear wheels, making the car slide and lose control.
Use the right foot to raise the gas pedal: Absolutely do not use the left foot as it will cause hindrance. In addition, the left foot should be used to press the clutch and try other methods if this one doesn’t work.
Apply the brakes as much as possible: The driver needs to pay attention to applying force evenly instead of cutting it off or repeatedly releasing it because the power assist of the brakes will be ineffective. With manual transmission cars, the driver needs to continue pressing the clutch pedal to prevent the engine from transmitting power to the wheels. As for automatic transmission cars, just press and hold the brake pedal evenly, absolutely do not press the clutch.
Switch the car to neutral: After pressing the brake pedal, the driver needs to remain calm and disengage the car’s transmission by switching the car to neutral. Try to control the car to avoid colliding with other vehicles and gradually reduce speed, without letting the car fall into a state of loss of control.
Call for assistance from a rescue team: When the car has come to a complete stop, the driver and passengers are safe, and the basic problem of a stuck throttle in the car has been resolved, the driver can get out of the car and seek assistance from a rescue team, without attempting to restart the car.
Why does the car’s throttle get stuck?
A stuck car throttle is a situation where the gas pedal is stuck rigid when the car is in motion. At this time, the driver cannot control the throttle, unable to accelerate/decelerate the car as usual. There are many reasons for a car throttle to get stuck, such as a malfunctioning car software system, a problematic throttle body, weak/broken spring return of the gas pedal… Furthermore, it can also be caused by the gas pedal being obstructed, stuck by an object on the car floor, such as floor mats, water bottles, or even a mobile phone…
When the car throttle gets stuck, the car will suddenly accelerate, causing the driver to lose calmness, even panic, increasing the likelihood of causing regrettable accidents. Specifically, in this situation, the car can reach a speed of 200km/h, and the braking system is virtually disabled.
A stuck throttle causes the car to lose speed control. (Illustrative photo: Vinfastauto)
Drivers can identify signs of a car with a stuck throttle through signs such as brake failure, sudden engine rpm exceeding 3000 rpm (revolutions per minute), sudden acceleration of the car, or the car’s speed cannot be reduced even when the driver releases or presses the brake.
According to VTC.vn
