Is it normal for the handbrake to fail during vehicle inspection?

[LePaige]

It is normal. The specific reasons are as follows: Excessive brake wear: Excessive brake wear will cause the brake pads to become thinner, thereby increasing the gap. In this case, you can go to a nearby repair shop and ask a mechanic to adjust it. However, if the wear is severe, the brake pads need to be replaced. Brake caliper oil leakage: Oil leakage from the brake caliper can cause the brakes to slip. In this case, simply cleaning the brake pads will suffice. Brake master cylinder failure: If the master cylinder fails, it needs to be replaced. Vehicle curb weight: It is best to conduct the annual inspection with an empty load. If there are heavy items in the trunk, it will affect the overall braking rate of the vehicle.

[SanHeidi]

During my last vehicle inspection, the handbrake failed to meet the standard, almost causing me to fail the test, which was quite unexpected. I hadn’t paid much attention to it during daily driving, but later discovered that the handbrake cable had loosened, leading to insufficient braking force—this isn’t normal. The handbrake should firmly hold the car on steep slopes, and failing the test indicates a functional issue. Common causes include aging or worn handbrake cables, or a stuck lever. If not detected in time, it could be dangerous during emergency stops. I recommend checking the handbrake’s travel during each maintenance service—if it’s too long, it’s time for repairs. Now, I occasionally test it on slopes to ensure it’s tight enough, avoiding the hassle of re-inspection. Safety comes first—don’t overlook this detail. If it fails the inspection, promptly visit a reliable repair shop to fix it, so it doesn’t disrupt the entire inspection process.

[OscarMarie]

As someone who enjoys tinkering with cars in my spare time, I believe failing the handbrake inspection is definitely not a minor issue. Handbrake failure could be caused by worn brake discs or a seized lever. If the braking force test shows insufficient performance, it indicates abnormal operation—this is quite easy to detect during vehicle inspections but signals potential hazards. When I perform manual checks, I usually start by observing whether the handbrake lever has proper tension. If not, it's necessary to consult a professional technician to measure the pressure with tools. Everyone should pay attention to whether their car slips on slopes during regular driving, as periodic maintenance can prevent such issues. Simply put, handbrake malfunctions are a warning sign—don’t delay, address them immediately for safety and peace of mind.

[VanViolet]

Last year, my new car failed the inspection due to the handbrake not meeting the standard, and I was really confused at the time. It turns out it could be caused by oil contamination on the handbrake pads or a loose handbrake lever. Failing the test means it can't hold the car properly when parked, which is considered a fault during inspection but can be fixed. It's recommended that car owners test it themselves in advance by parking on a flat road and pulling the handbrake to see if the wheels lock; if not, send it for repair without hesitation. Small issues can be fixed quickly, so don't risk driving an unsafe car.