What Causes a Car's Handbrake to Fail?
3 Answers
The reasons for a car's handbrake failing to hold include brake fluid leakage and thinning brake discs. The specific causes are as follows: Brake Fluid Leakage: It is necessary to inspect the brake fluid, as leakage or insufficient brake fluid can result in the handbrake failing to hold. The braking system mainly consists of several parts: the energy supply device, control device, transmission device, and brake. The primary function of the braking system is to decelerate or even stop a moving car, maintain a stable speed for a car going downhill, and keep a parked car stationary. Thinning Brake Discs: Accompanied by body vibration or abnormal noises when braking, this is due to thinning brake discs or foreign objects entering the brake pads. Uneven surfaces on the brake discs can cause sharp metallic friction sounds when braking, as well as insufficient braking force, longer braking distances, and softer braking.
I've fixed many handbrake issues on cars, and the most common one is brake pads being worn too thin. After a few years of use, they can become severely worn, resulting in insufficient friction. The brake cables might also become loose or rusty, especially in humid areas or during winter, making them prone to corrosion and sticking. Another frequent cause is loose adjustment screws—you can try tightening them yourself, but I don’t recommend beginners attempting complex operations. If the brake drum is worn, the situation gets worse, and you’ll need to replace the part. I remember once checking a friend’s car and finding that insufficient lubrication caused sticking—just adding some lubricant regularly would solve it. The key is safety first; a handbrake that doesn’t hold on a slope is extremely dangerous. Don’t take chances—get it fixed at a professional repair shop right away. Regular maintenance and paying attention to these components can prevent major problems.
As someone who frequently uses a car, I've encountered situations where the handbrake fails, mostly due to the brake cable stretching or breaking. Like the last time with my car, pulling it up had no effect, and upon inspection, it was found to be aged and stretched. Worn brake pads are also a common cause, especially frequent parking on slopes which increases wear. Improper adjustment is another factor, such as loose screws or misaligned positions, which can be troublesome to fix yourself. Weather conditions also play a role; for example, in northern winters when it freezes, moisture seeps into the system and freezes, causing the handbrake to jam. I recommend occasionally testing the handbrake to see if it rebounds properly, and trying in the garage to see if the car holds steady. If it doesn't, don't delay—take it to a repair shop as it concerns driving safety. Fixing it once doesn't cost much, but if an accident happens, it's a real hassle.
