What to Do When the Car Handbrake Fails?
4 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.
A while ago, I discovered that the handbrake wasn't working when I parked during a countryside trip, and the car almost slid into a tree – it really gave me a scare. Fortunately, I knew a bit about cars and quickly found a flat spot to stop, then put it in reverse gear to secure the car. The cause was simple to check: there was no resistance when pulling the handbrake, so it was definitely either a cable issue or worn rear drums. Since then, I've learned my lesson and check the brakes monthly to see if they feel tight. If there's a problem, I fix it early to avoid emergencies. When driving, don’t be careless—if the car isn’t stable, use rocks to block the wheels temporarily, then head to a repair shop for a full system check. Spending a few hundred bucks on a part is much better than risking an accident. The key is to stay calm, ensure the location is safe before thinking clearly, and afterward, sharing this experience with friends made us all realize it was quite a lesson.
As someone who frequently deals with vehicle malfunctions, handbrake failure is usually attributed to cable breakage or aging brake components. After parking, first check if the warning light is on; if there's no response, it's a preliminary indication of a mechanical issue. It's recommended to visit a professional repair shop immediately. They use tools to measure the tightness of the cable and the wear of the friction pads, and replacing the parts can quickly resolve the issue. Regular manual testing of the handbrake feel during daily inspections can prevent such failures and ensure safety.
