What Are the Reasons for a Car Handbrake Not Holding?
3 Answers
Car handbrake not holding is due to daily operational errors, vehicle overload, and aging of the brake pump. Below are the specific reasons and solutions: Daily Operational Errors: Most of the reasons are due to mistakes in the usual operation and maintenance of the car by the owner. As a car owner, it is essential to regularly maintain the car's braking system. Solution: Standardize your driving operations to avoid unnecessary damage to the car. Vehicle Overload: Many car owners find it hard to press the brake in summer. This is because most cars use air conditioning in summer. If the car has a small displacement, it can easily increase the engine's load, ultimately affecting the brake's performance. Solution: Be moderate when using the air conditioning. Try to turn it off after a while to reduce the engine's load. Aging of the Brake Pump: The brake not holding firmly is a situation many car owners encounter when using the brake. This is especially true for small-displacement cars. Due to insufficient engine power and the use of air conditioning, the booster pump cannot function properly when the owner repeatedly applies the brake. Solution: Check the brake pump and have it replaced or repaired by the relevant manufacturer.
I've been driving for decades, and handbrake failure is quite common. The main reasons are slack or aged brake cables stretching over time, requiring the adjustment screws to be tightened. Another possibility is the handbrake drum or brake pads at the rear wheels being worn out, reducing friction and causing failure. External factors like oil contamination or rust from rain can also cause slippage, making parking on slopes extremely dangerous. I've encountered this a few times and only took it seriously after nearly causing accidents. Now, I get maintenance every six months, and a simple adjustment by the mechanic fixes it. I recommend testing the handbrake during checks—if it pulls too easily and the car slides, get it professionally repaired immediately. Always prioritize safety and never be careless when parking on slopes.
From the perspective of car maintenance, a handbrake that doesn't hold usually has several issues: the cable may be stuck or stretched and needs readjustment, or the brake shoes may be too worn, affecting friction. It could also be due to oil contamination or rust on the brake drum causing slippage. I've fixed many such faults, and most of the time, replacing the cable is quick and easy. It's recommended to first listen for clicks when pulling the handbrake—normally, there should be four to five clicks for it to be reliable; too few indicate looseness. If you encounter significant resistance or unusual noises, it might be due to rust—don't force it and risk injury. Especially in rainy weather, check the brake components frequently; simple rust cleaning can prevent issues. If you're unsure, don't tamper with it; for safety, have a thorough inspection at a 4S shop—it saves money but not peace of mind.
