What Causes a Tight Handbrake to Fail in Stopping the Car?

[McCarlos]

The reasons for a tight handbrake failing to stop the car include ineffective parking, worn brake pads, and damage to the handbrake braking system. Ineffective parking: This may be due to a loose cable, which can be fixed by tightening it. Worn brake pads: Severely worn brake shoes that have not been replaced in time can also affect braking performance. Handbrake braking system damage: Incorrect usage of the handbrake in daily use can cause severe damage to the system. The handbrake, professionally known as an auxiliary brake, operates differently from the main brake. It uses a steel cable connected to the rear brake shoes to apply braking force. Long-term use of the handbrake can cause the steel cable to undergo plastic deformation. Since this deformation is irreversible, prolonged use will reduce effectiveness and increase the handbrake's travel distance. It is necessary to seek a mechanic for repairs. Correct handbrake usage: Press the handbrake button before pulling it; apply gentle force when pulling the handbrake; pulling the handbrake to 70% of its capacity is sufficient, as pulling it to the maximum height will shorten the lifespan of the handbrake cable.

[LaAnnie]

I encountered a similar issue last week where the car would still slide even after pulling the handbrake tight. There could be several reasons for this: first, the handbrake cable might have aged and loosened—while the lever appears tight, the internal cable could be worn and stretched, preventing effective tightening of the brake pads or drum. Second, the brake pads might be severely worn, especially the rear ones; if they haven’t been replaced for a long time, the metal backing might be too thin, resulting in insufficient friction when the handbrake is applied. Third, the adjustment screws could be loose or corroded, causing the cable travel to be insufficient—even if the handbrake lever is pulled all the way, the brake mechanism might not engage fully. Fourth, the wheel braking components might be stuck, such as rust or debris inside the brake drum, rendering the operation ineffective. I recommend gently releasing the handbrake and trying to pull it a few times to feel the resistance. If there’s no noticeable change, it’s best to drive to a repair shop immediately for inspection—don’t delay, as it could be dangerous if the car can’t hold on a slope. During routine maintenance, ask the mechanic to adjust the handbrake as a preventive measure to avoid such issues.

[VanBeau]

Hi, I've encountered this issue before. A while ago, I noticed that my car would still roll backward after pulling the handbrake. The main reasons include the handbrake cable being too long or deformed, where pulling the handle doesn't effectively transmit the force; brake pads being too smooth or contaminated with oil, causing them to slip and fail to hold; and improper system adjustment, such as loose fixing screws or misalignment leading to inefficiency. After discovering this, I tried pulling the handbrake and got out to check if the wheels were completely locked. If not, I first checked if the cable was moving smoothly. Don't take safety lightly—once this happens, don't rely solely on the handbrake when parking; use something to block the wheels to prevent sliding. I recommend checking the handbrake travel and brake pad thickness during maintenance every six months to avoid bigger problems from small oversights.

[DeWilliam]

The car still moves after pulling up the handbrake when parked? I suspect it might be due to internal rusting and jamming in the handbrake system, where the lever movement isn't transmitted to the braking components; or the brake pads are excessively worn, with insufficient contact surface to generate enough friction; another possibility is the aging of the cable losing tension, appearing tight but actually slack. A simple test is to feel the smoothness when pulling back the lever. Address any issues immediately, and avoid parking on slopes to prevent accidents.