How to Stop a Runaway Toyota

Ever since Toyota had a stopping problem with their cars, people have been wondering about how to stop a runaway Toyota if it does runaway from you.  In reality, anyone who has driven for awhile or is just beginning to drive should know what to do in case this happens and you need to stop your runaway Toyota. 

1. The first reaction is usually to hit the brakes. That isn’t always the best recourse with the Toyota problem. The problem with Toyotas was that the brakes when pressured or pumped with the car in full throttle actually made the car harder to stop.
2. Put the car in neutral. This is going to release the drive train and the car is going to be a bit easier to stop. 
3. Then, you’ll want to start applying some pressure to the brakes until you can get it slowed down enough. The main thing you need to do is just stay calm, fighting a car that is fighting you, isn’t going to help the situation.
4.  Another thing to remember is you don’t want to shut your engine off. With all the power steering and brakes on cars these days, you may end up feeling like you are trying to stop a tank. So, don’t turn your car off until you get it to a complete stop.
   
5.  It isn’t a bad idea to actually practice this in an empty parking lot.  Get your car to speed and then shift it to neutral.  Apply pressure to the brakes and keep a cool head. 

Tip:

• In a serious runaway situation, the last thing you want to worry about is your engine.  It is better that your engine grinds to a halt and your life is saved. 
• It never hurts to speak to a mechanic who is knowledgeable about the type of car you have. 
• Also, speaking to a highway patrol officer can offer some information just so you are in a frame of mind, that if your car does decide to accelerate out of control, you will be the one in charge of the situation, not the car.

Reference:

Toyota Break Test