What Causes the Car Handbrake to Not Release?
3 Answers
Car handbrake may not release due to the handbrake cable being stuck. Here are precautions for using the car handbrake: 1. Do not pull the handbrake too high: When using the handbrake, pull it to 70% of its height. The braking effect is the same whether fully pulled or at 70%, and consistently pulling it to the maximum can reduce the cable's recovery ability and shorten the handbrake's lifespan. 2. Pull the handbrake gently: Slowly pull up the handbrake when engaging it. Avoid yanking it abruptly, as this can easily cause damage. 3. Do not use the handbrake as a substitute for the foot brake: At high speeds, using the handbrake instead of the foot brake can lock the wheels, causing the car to skid, and the handbrake cable may also snap.
I have an older car and have also experienced the issue of the handbrake not releasing after being pulled up. The most common causes are, first, mechanical failures, such as the cable being rusted, stuck, or tangled, especially in older cars or those parked in damp places for extended periods. In winter, it can also freeze, where rain or snow seeps into the brake system and locks the handle due to ice. Additionally, an over-tightened adjustment nut or worn and deformed ratchet mechanism can cause it to jam. If floor mats or small objects get stuck under the handbrake lever, they can also block its operation. A simple solution is to press the release button harder several times or gently tap the lever to see if it loosens. If that doesn’t work, take it to a repair shop immediately—don’t delay, safety first. Regularly lubricating the cable can prevent this issue.
I can relate to this issue, as it just happened to my new car last week. Possible causes include a stuck cable system, internal rusting of the wiring harness, or entanglement with foreign objects preventing movement. Improper adjustment is also a major factor, like when the nut was overtightened during the last maintenance. Freezing is common in winter, especially when parked outdoors and covered in snow, leading to ice formation. There's also the issue of electronic control system failures; my car has an electronic parking brake, and a faulty module can cause it to fail to release. Safety-wise, it's crucial to address this, as driving with the front wheels locked increases wear and even the risk of losing control. I resolved it by immediately cutting power and restarting the system, but it's best to have a professional technician check the wiring and module with a diagnostic tool. To prevent it from getting stuck, I recommend using hill-start assist instead of relying solely on the parking brake when parking.
