What does parking brake failure mean?
3 Answers
Parking brake, commonly known as the "handbrake", is used to keep the vehicle stationary after parking. Parking brake failure means the car loses its braking function when stopped. Causes of failure: 1. Functional failure: When the proportional valve function of the ABS anti-lock braking system's rear braking force control fails, both the brake system warning light and ABS warning light will illuminate. If the brake system warning light comes on while driving, it indicates a potential fault in the vehicle's braking system. 2. Severely worn brake pads: Brake pads come in two types - with or without sensor wires. Those with sensor wires will automatically complete a circuit when worn to their limit, triggering the fault light. Brake pads without sensor wires won't provide automatic alerts.
I understand that a parking brake failure means the handbrake doesn't work when parking, which may cause the car to slide on its own. I once had an old car with this issue - after parking on a slope, it actually rolled several steps, which gave me quite a scare. Upon inspection, it turned out the cable was loose or the pads were worn too thin to hold the wheels. This kind of problem is quite common, especially in older cars where the linkage components have aged or rusted. It's more noticeable in winter because low temperatures make mechanical parts less responsive. You should get it fixed immediately, otherwise parking on slopes or in parking lots could easily lead to collisions with other cars or objects, potentially causing significant damage. During regular maintenance, always ask the mechanic to adjust the handbrake properly - don't try to save small money only to invite bigger troubles. Safety comes first. If you notice any issues, don't delay; just take it to the repair shop for peace of mind.
Parking brake failure, simply put, means the handbrake doesn't work, and the vehicle may move unexpectedly after parking. Based on my personal experience, I strongly advise you to take this seriously, as my neighbor once hit their garage door due to this issue. The repair costs were substantial, not to mention the potential risk of injury. Common causes include aging or broken cables, worn handbrake lever components, or in electronically controlled models, sensor malfunctions. The check method is simple: park on level ground, engage the handbrake firmly, and gently push the car to see if it moves. If it does, get it repaired immediately. Don't attempt DIY fixes; it's safer to have it handled by professionals. Make it a habit to confirm the handbrake is securely engaged before leaving your vehicle, especially in households with children. Educate them to always engage the handbrake before exiting to prevent serious accidents caused by unintended vehicle movement.
