What Causes the Handbrake of a Sedan to Fail to Hold?
3 Answers
Introduction to the reasons why the handbrake fails to hold: 1. Braking effect: The ABS activates, but the car still shows no obvious braking effect, and the braking distance significantly increases. 2. ABS not activated: The wheels do not lock up, the ABS does not activate, and the car rolls forward. The first issue likely stems from the tires, possibly due to severe tire wear, leading to a reduced static friction coefficient, which makes the tires prone to locking up and causes the ABS to intervene too early, failing to generate effective braking force and compromising safety. Solution: 1. Replace the tires: It is recommended to switch to a slightly larger tire size for a significantly improved braking effect. The second issue likely originates from the braking system itself. 2. Replace the brake pads: If a noticeable friction sound is heard during braking, it indicates severely worn brake pads that should be replaced immediately. If no sound is heard, the issue may lie with a malfunctioning brake pump, preventing the brake piston from working effectively. In such cases, it is advisable to promptly visit a repair shop to service the brake assembly.
The old sedan I drive had a handbrake failure the other day, causing it to roll on slopes and making me nervous. After inspection, the main issue was that the brake cable was too loose and needed readjustment for proper tension—otherwise, insufficient tension wouldn't grip the brake pads tightly. Additionally, severely worn brake pads might also be the culprit; if the wear exceeds normal limits, they can't grip the wheel hub properly, leading to failure. Moreover, metal components tend to rust and seize in cold, damp weather, especially after parking outdoors overnight. I recall a close call in my neighborhood where the car nearly slid downhill and hit a tree—fortunately, I shifted gears and braked in time to avoid an accident. Now, I've learned to regularly inspect the rear braking system and recommend all drivers not overlook it. If any issues arise, visit a professional repair shop promptly to ensure safe driving without unexpected troubles.
I've been driving this compact car for over a year, and recently the handbrake hasn't been performing well. Even with a gentle pull, the car can still move, which is quite annoying. The possible reasons could be that the brake pads are too thin and worn out, or the cable needs adjustment to make it tighter. I've also heard from friends that frequent parking on steep slopes or applying excessive force can accelerate wear and tear. As a novice driver, I've realized that these minor issues may not seem serious at first, but neglecting them could lead to bigger problems, such as the risk of rolling and rear-end collisions. Now, I make it a habit to test the handbrake's effectiveness before each drive and check it more often when parked on level ground. In case of failure, I temporarily use gear shifting or foot braking as emergency measures, but the fundamental solution is timely repairs. I advise young car enthusiasts not to follow my example and to opt for early maintenance to save both hassle and money.
