What to Do When the Car Handbrake Fails?
2 Answers
The solutions for a failing car handbrake are: 1. Replace the brake pads and brake discs; 2. Add brake fluid; 3. Replace the brake vacuum booster and vacuum tube. The function of the car handbrake is to lock the drive shaft or rear wheels when parking, providing resistance to prevent the car from rolling. The handbrake, also known as the auxiliary brake, operates differently from the main brake system. It uses a steel cable connected to the rear brake shoes to apply braking force to the vehicle. Prolonged use of the handbrake can cause the steel cable to undergo plastic deformation, which is irreversible. Over time, this reduces the effectiveness of the handbrake and increases its travel distance.
I've experienced handbrake failure a few times, and it's extremely dangerous. First and foremost, stay calm and immediately find a flat area to park the car, such as an open space or roadside, to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward and causing an accident. When parking, shift into P (Park) or reverse gear to secure the vehicle—if it's an automatic, make sure it's in P to help share the braking load. Once stopped, turn on the hazard lights to alert others. Don't attempt to drive onto a ramp or slope to fix the issue yourself, as this could lead to loss of control. Checking is simple: pull the handbrake to see if it feels loose or unresponsive—if so, the cable may be broken or rusted and stuck. Worn brake shoes can also cause failure. Remember, safety comes first—call a tow truck or roadside assistance to take the car to a professional repair shop immediately. Avoid DIY fixes that could waste money and compromise safety. For prevention, have a mechanic inspect the braking system during annual maintenance for reliability.
