How to Adjust the Handbrake of a Car?

[VanLeonardo]

Methods for adjusting the handbrake of a car: 1. Use a jack to lift the rear of the car so that the two rear wheels can rotate; 2. Adjust the car's gear—set the automatic transmission to P gear and the manual transmission to 1st or 2nd gear; 3. Adjust the handbrake to the appropriate tightness, then use a wrench to tighten the screw clockwise for adjustment; 4. After adjustment, fully release the handbrake and check if the rear wheels can rotate. If they can, remove the jack and inspect the adjustment effect. The professional term for the handbrake is the auxiliary brake, which differs in principle from the main brake. It uses a steel cable connected to the rear brake shoes to apply braking force to the car.

[Thomas]

I enjoy tinkering with cars in my spare time, and adjusting the handbrake myself has saved me a lot of hassle. Usually, I park the car on a flat surface, pull the handbrake up a few notches (like three or four), then crawl under the car or behind the wheels to locate the adjustment nut. Using a wrench, I tighten it clockwise until there's slight resistance when turning the wheel, but not so tight that it locks. For testing: the car shouldn't move, but the wheel should rotate slightly with some effort. Always wear gloves for safety and keep tools organized to avoid accidents. Checking every six months is ideal, as worn tires can affect performance. I've done it myself a few times—initially nervous about mistakes, but practice makes perfect. Remember: too loose and the car may roll; too tight and you'll accelerate wear. Having a helper to double-check is always a good idea.

[Louis]

When I first started learning to drive, I had trouble with the handbrake. A friend taught me a simple method. Park on level ground, pull the handbrake up two or three notches, then find a small adjustment screw under the car or near the rear wheels. Use a screwdriver or wrench to turn it clockwise slightly to tighten it. Test a few times to ensure the wheels can move slightly but don't slide when parked. Beginners often apply too much force, tightening it too much can cause the wheels to heat up quickly. Try different notches to avoid unnecessary trouble. There are many video tutorials online—it's best to watch them first before making adjustments to avoid damaging the car. Regularly check the handbrake to prevent accidents, especially when parking on slippery slopes in rainy weather, as the risk of the car sliding is high.

[LaBrayden]

I find adjusting the handbrake in daily driving quite practical, especially when picking up and dropping off kids for added peace of mind. General steps: After parking, pull the handbrake up to the third or fourth notch, check the adjustment screw position (usually manually tightenable under the handbrake lever), and ensure slight wheel resistance is present. Always keep the foot brake firmly pressed and wear gloves for hand protection during operation. Regularly monitor handbrake feel - frequent adjustments may indicate rapid wear. It's best to have professionals inspect it during maintenance to avoid DIY mistakes affecting driving safety.