What to Do If the Car Still Rolls After Pulling the Handbrake?
3 Answers
Solutions for the car still rolling after pulling the handbrake: Tighten the handbrake cable. If it's a manual transmission, you can press the clutch with your left foot, press the brake with your right foot, engage any forward gear, pull the handbrake, and then turn off the engine, using the traction of the gear to prevent rolling. For an automatic transmission, press the brake, shift to P, pull the handbrake, and turn off the engine, utilizing the automatic transmission's P gear lock to prevent further rolling. If the brakes suddenly fail or cannot hold during normal use, it can be very dangerous, especially on steep slopes where sudden failure poses greater risks. Automatic transmission models are easier to operate; when shifting into a forward gear, holding the brake prevents rolling, and releasing the brake while quickly applying the throttle ensures the power is sufficient to move the vehicle forward.
I've been driving for over twenty years and have experienced several instances where the car rolled despite pulling the handbrake on slopes—it felt really dangerous. I think there are two main reasons: first, the handbrake cable may have aged and loosened, and second, severe brake pad wear could lead to insufficient grip. The solution is: immediately press the foot brake to stop the car, engage the gear (use first or reverse gear for manual transmissions, or P for automatic transmissions), and find a flat area to park and inspect. If the slope is too steep, you can temporarily secure the car by placing stones behind the tires. Never take this lightly, as it can easily lead to accidents. It's best to promptly visit a professional auto repair shop to adjust the handbrake cable or replace the brake pads. Develop good habits: always engage the handbrake before shifting gears when parking, and regularly check the wear and tear of the braking system. This can save you a lot of trouble and repair costs.
I'm a safety-conscious person, and it really makes me nervous when my car rolls while parked. This is usually caused by the handbrake not being engaged properly or the road being too steep. For safe handling, immediately step on the brake to stop the car, turn on the hazard lights to warn others, then find a level spot to re-engage the handbrake and test its strength. If it still rolls, don't try to fix it yourself—tow it to a reliable repair shop for inspection. It might be due to loose adjustment screws or oil contamination in the brake components, which professionals can quickly resolve. Don't underestimate this small issue—it could indicate bigger brake hazards. Always park on level ground as prevention is better than cure. During maintenance, remind the mechanic to check the handbrake system. Spending a little money on safety now is better than facing bigger problems later.
