What to Do When the Car Handbrake Still Holds After Being Released?
3 Answers
If the car handbrake still holds after being released, you can first warm up the car. After warming up the car, start it slowly. Increase the throttle until you feel the car jerk, and the handbrake will naturally release. Then, under safe conditions, lightly tap the brake to smooth the contact surface of the brake disc. If the problem persists, you may need to visit an auto repair shop to replace the brake cable. If the rear wheels remain locked after releasing the handbrake, professional repair by an auto technician is required.
Once in winter, I drove my car and found it still tightly braked after releasing the handbrake, not moving at all, which gave me a scare. It was probably due to the handbrake cable rusting and jamming in cold weather, or the handle spring failing to fully return, keeping the rear brake pads pressed against the discs. In such cases, don't force the car to move, as it can damage the brake system and also lead to increased fuel consumption and tire wear. A method I've tried works well: gently move the car back and forth a few times to apply slight vibrations, which might shake loose the jam; if that doesn't work, stop and check if the handbrake cable moves freely, and try pulling it manually. Remember, this issue often occurs after rain or snow. For prevention, regularly lubricating the cable components can reduce the chances of it happening. Safety first—if you encounter this problem, get it repaired promptly to avoid turning it into a bigger issue.
As an experienced driver, I've seen many cars with this issue—the handbrake still holds tight even when released, making driving feel like being dragged. It's mostly a mechanical problem, such as rusted cables or stuck brake pads; a loose handle spring is also a common cause. Once noticed, stop the car immediately and avoid driving further to prevent damage or loss of control. My approach: first, turn off the engine and let it sit for a few minutes to warm up, then gently press the accelerator to try and free it. Alternatively, ask a friend to help push the car to apply some external force. Don’t skimp on regular maintenance—check the handbrake mechanism for smoothness and lubrication every six months. Don’t underestimate this fault; prolonged driving can overheat the tires and affect range. Taking it directly to a professional shop is the best solution.
