What to Do When the Parking Brake Fails?

[Peyton]

Parking brake failure can be addressed by adjusting the control lever and then the hand brake clearance. If this proves ineffective, disassemble the hand brake for inspection and repair. The parking brake, also known as the hand brake, is a manually operated brake installed in motor vehicles to stabilize the vehicle after it has come to a stop, preventing accidents caused by rolling on inclined surfaces. Common causes of parking brake failure include: 1. Insufficient brake fluid pressure; 2. Air in the brake system; 3. Excessive free travel of the brake pedal or excessive brake clearance; 4. Wear or damage to the brake master cylinder, wheel cylinder pistons, wheel cylinder tubes, or aging and deterioration of the rubber cups. To use the parking brake: With the right hand, bring the four fingers together, position the thumb opposite the fingers (tiger mouth forward), pull the control lever upward firmly until the brake indicator light on the dashboard illuminates.

[FernandoRose]

I just experienced a parking brake failure, and it was really scary. If it's a mechanical parking brake, the most common causes are loose or rusted cables, which can cause the car to slide when parked on a slope. In an emergency, first shift the gear to P (for automatic transmission) or first gear (for manual transmission) to prevent rolling. Quickly place bricks or stones in front of and behind the wheels to block them. If you don't have any tools, find a flat area to park. Never force your way up a steep slope—it's very risky. Afterward, be sure to visit a professional shop for inspection; the cables might need replacement or adjustment. Parking brake failure is no small matter. I always pay special attention to this during maintenance, regularly checking if it's tight enough to avoid freezing and jamming in winter. Once you develop the habit, you can mostly avoid such situations—safety first, after all.

[VanRemington]

I think a malfunctioning handbrake is quite dangerous, especially for beginners who may panic easily. In an emergency, immediately park in a safe area. For manual transmission cars, shift into first gear; for automatic transmission cars, shift into P (Park), then use personal items like a backpack or rocks to block the wheels. Don't rush to open the car door to avoid the risk of the car rolling and causing injury. The cause might be simple, such as aging cables or a faulty button. After parking, try pulling the handbrake tighter to see if it holds. Long-term neglect could lead to bigger problems, so I always remind my child to check the handbrake's tension when parking. Prevention is better than cure—regular quick checks at a 4S shop cost little but ensure safety. Remember, staying calm is key; panic only increases risks.

[McMila]

Handbrake suddenly failed? Stay calm first. For mechanical types, common issues include cable breakage or loose adjustment nuts; for electronic types, it might be a blown fuse or module failure. When parking on a slope, immediately shift into gear and use obstacles to block the wheels. After ensuring safety, check the manual for the fuse location and try a simple replacement. Even for simple DIY, avoid random adjustments—it's more reliable to send it for repair.