What to Do When the Hand Brake Doesn't Work?
2 Answers
If the car is not currently in use, it is recommended to go to a repair shop for maintenance and replace the brake pads. If the issue occurs while driving, here are solutions for different situations: 1. Based on the road conditions and speed, control the direction, disengage the high gear, and quickly rev the engine in neutral to shift from high gear to low gear. The engine will provide significant traction resistance to rapidly reduce the speed. Additionally, while shifting to low gear, use the hand brake in combination, but be careful not to pull it too tightly or too slowly. Pulling it too tightly may cause the brake disc to "lock up," potentially damaging the transmission components and losing braking ability. Pulling it too slowly may cause the brake disc to wear out and lose its braking effect. 2. Use the car's bumper, body, or other rigid parts to rub or collide with natural obstacles on the roadside (such as rocks, large trees, or slopes) to force a stop and minimize accident losses. 3. If the brake fails while going uphill, downshift to a medium or low gear in time to maintain sufficient power to reach the top of the slope and stop. If stopping halfway is necessary, keep the car in a low forward gear, tighten the hand brake, and have passengers use stones or wooden blocks to secure the wheels. If the car starts sliding backward, turn the rear of the car toward the slope or a safe side, and turn on the headlights and emergency signals to alert other vehicles. 4. If the brake fails while going downhill and the vehicle's own mechanisms cannot control the speed, the driver should decisively use natural obstacles, such as roadside rocks or large trees, to create resistance for the car. If no suitable terrain or objects are available, in an emergency, move one side of the car close to the mountain to increase resistance through friction and gradually reduce the speed. 5. When driving on long or steep slopes, always press the brake once, regardless of the situation. This tests the brake performance and buys time to control the speed if the brake fails—this is also called anticipatory braking.
When the handbrake isn't working properly, my first thought is safety. Never park on a slope—if the car rolls, it could be disastrous. I'll find a flat spot to stop, then test the handbrake's tension. If it feels loose or slack, the brake cable might be stretched or worn. Listening helps too—a normal handbrake should make a clicking sound when engaged. If there's no sound, there's probably an issue with the mechanical components. I recommend going to a professional repair shop immediately—don't try to fix it yourself. Safety comes first. During regular maintenance, I always ask the mechanic to test the handbrake's tension to ensure it holds properly. Brake system failures are no joke, especially when going downhill, so address any issues right away—don't delay.
