What to Do When the Handbrake of an Automatic Car Won't Release?
2 Answers
If the handbrake of an automatic car won't release, it is probably stuck. Try pulling it up a bit more and holding it to see if it can be released. If that doesn't work, temporarily remove it and drive to a repair shop for maintenance. Below is some relevant information about automatic transmissions: 1. Introduction to Automatic Transmissions: As the name suggests, an automatic transmission does not require the driver to manually shift gears. The vehicle automatically selects the appropriate gear based on the driving speed and traffic conditions. Generally, automatic transmission cars have six gear positions, arranged from top to bottom as: P, R, N, D, S, L. 2. Principle of Automatic Transmission: An automatic transmission uses planetary gear mechanisms to shift gears. It can automatically change gears based on the degree of the accelerator pedal and changes in vehicle speed. The driver only needs to control the speed by operating the accelerator pedal.
I previously encountered an issue with the automatic transmission car's parking brake not releasing. The most common causes are the button getting stuck or frozen, especially in winter when the car is parked outside and rainwater freezes, blocking the mechanism. I suggest you try pressing the button lightly a few times while gently stepping on the foot brake, or use a hairdryer on the hot setting to blow warm air at the button for about a minute to thaw it. If that doesn’t work, it might be due to an aging internal spring or rusted guide rails, in which case you should apply a lubricant spray—but avoid oily substances as they can make things worse. When parking, avoid pulling the brake too tightly, and on rainy days, pay extra attention to cleaning around the button, as dust buildup can also cause problems. If the brake still won’t release, never force the car to move, as this could cause the wheels to drag, damaging the brake system and posing a safety risk. Instead, promptly consult a professional mechanic to check if the cables or components need adjustment or replacement—safety comes first.
