What Causes a Car's Handbrake to Fail to Hold?
3 Answers
The reasons why a car's handbrake fails to hold include brake fluid leakage and worn brake discs. Specific causes are as follows: Brake fluid leakage: It is necessary to check the brake fluid. 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 stationary car from moving. Worn brake discs: Accompanied by body shaking or abnormal noises when braking, this is due to the brake discs becoming thin 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 a softer brake feel.
I've experienced situations where the handbrake couldn't hold properly before, which is quite common and mainly related to aging of the braking system. Worn-out brake pads being too thin is the primary reason, as they directly rub against the brake drum to provide braking force. If severely worn, the handbrake won't grip firmly. Loose cables are another major issue—over time, they can stretch or get stuck, leading to insufficient tension. Once when parking on a slope, my car started rolling, and upon quick inspection, I found the cable was loose. Tightening the adjustment bolt myself fixed the problem. If brake fluid leaks or is insufficient, contaminating the friction surfaces with oil, it can also affect performance. For safety, I recommend regular maintenance, checking brake pad thickness and cable tension every six months. Don't wait until an accident happens to address it, as that's both high-risk and costly.
As someone who enjoys tinkering with cars, I believe that a handbrake's failure to hold is often caused by minor mechanical issues. Insufficient friction due to excessively worn brake pads or oil stains on the brake drum, possibly from leaking brake fluid, can be culprits. Rust or deformation in the cable mechanism can also weaken the locking effect, sometimes even causing strange noises. While driving, I pay close attention to these details. If I feel the handbrake isn't holding tight, I test it by pushing the car to check for movement. Prevention is better than cure, so I regularly clean the rear brake components with neutral detergent to prevent dust buildup from affecting performance. Parking on a slope serves as a warning sign—promptly take the car to a shop for inspection to prevent minor issues from escalating into major repairs.
