What Causes the Handbrake to Not Pull Up?
3 Answers
New car handbrake too tight: It may be that the new car's handbrake is too tight. Try pulling it harder. If it still doesn't work, take it to a repair shop. Pull multiple times: The handbrake has several levels. When parking, try to pull the handbrake up as much as possible. Handbrake damage: It could be due to the handbrake positioning pin breaking in cold weather or the handbrake cable being damaged in cold conditions. Handbrake ratchet damage: This may be caused by a failure in the handbrake ratchet mechanism. Drive to a repair shop for further inspection. Parking brake: The handbrake of a motor vehicle is also called the parking brake. It provides resistance when the vehicle is stopped, preventing the vehicle from rolling. The parking brake is also the parking gear in automatic transmissions, which can lock the vehicle's drive shaft or rear wheels. The braking force of the parking brake is relatively smaller. It is sufficient to prevent the vehicle from rolling when parked on a slope.
As someone who frequently deals with various vehicles, I've encountered many instances where the handbrake won't pull up. The most common reasons are the cable getting stuck or rusting; especially during humid seasons, rainwater seeping into the cable system can cause rust and corrosion, preventing smooth operation. It could also be due to aging or broken springs or gears inside the handle, resulting in no response when pulling. If the vehicle has been parked unused for a long time, accumulated dust and dirt can worsen the problem. Avoid forcing it, as this might damage the handle or cable connection points, increasing repair costs. Additionally, check if the handbrake adjustment screw is loose or misaligned; this often happens on bumpy roads. Remember, a faulty handbrake can lead to parking rollaway accidents. It's recommended to have a professional technician inspect it immediately if issues are found—simple lubrication, cleaning, or part replacement usually solves it. Regular maintenance with anti-rust treatment for the cable can prevent 90% of these issues.
I've encountered the handbrake not engaging several times in my own car. The last time was in winter when the cable froze after a sudden temperature drop; rainwater or snow had seeped in and turned to ice, making it useless to pull hard—I had to wait for the sun to thaw it naturally. In humid summer conditions, rust can cause the cable to jam even faster. Another common issue is wear and tear or breakage of the plastic or metal components at the base of the handle, leading to slipping or sticking when applying force. I recommend gently wiggling the lever first. If it still doesn't budge, avoid forcing it, as this can cause damage. You can temporarily use gear braking as a substitute for the handbrake, but don't rely on it for too long. Get to a mechanic promptly to replace the cable or lubricate it—the cost isn't high. Make it a habit to check monthly if the cable moves smoothly to avoid bigger troubles.
