Why does the car still roll on a steep slope even when the handbrake is engaged?
3 Answers
The reasons why the car still rolls on a steep slope even when the handbrake is engaged are: 1. The handbrake is not fully engaged, and you just need to pull it to the specified position again; 2. If there is an issue with the handbrake's brake pads, you should immediately use the foot brake to assist in stopping the car. Once the vehicle is parked in a safe place, test the handbrake again. If it still doesn't work, it is recommended to go to a repair shop or 4S store for maintenance promptly. When the handbrake fails, it can be difficult for beginners or on steep slopes to start on a hill, which can easily lead to unsafe incidents. During daily driving, it is best to maintain a certain distance from other vehicles. If the car starts rolling backward, immediately take a series of remedial measures such as stepping on the foot brake and pulling the handbrake. In the case of long-term parking, remain vigilant and always remember to engage the handbrake to prevent the car from rolling.
I've been driving for twenty years and have experienced a few instances of rolling back on steep slopes, usually because the handbrake wasn't engaged properly or the handbrake system was worn out. For example, if the slope exceeds 25 degrees, the handbrake's grip might not be strong enough; coupled with worn tires or slippery road surfaces, the car can easily slide. Once, I parked on a mountain road, pulled the handbrake tight, but the car still rolled back a bit—fortunately, I noticed it in time. The lesson I learned is to use multiple safety measures when parking: make sure the handbrake clicks to indicate it's fully engaged, shift an automatic transmission into 'P' or a manual transmission into first gear, and turn the wheels toward the curb to utilize friction. This makes the car more stable and reduces accidents. If the car is old or poorly maintained, it's advisable to check the handbrake cable tension and brake pad wear every six months—don't wait until danger strikes to regret it. Safe driving is built on small habits.
As a young person who often drives in the city, I once parked on a steep slope and pulled the handbrake, but the car still rolled, nearly scratching another car. It was a big lesson. A friend explained that it might be because the handbrake wasn’t pulled hard enough or there was a system fault, like worn brake pads, leading to insufficient friction. The P gear in an automatic transmission locks the car but isn’t foolproof, especially on steep slopes where slight slipping can occur. Now, when parking, I first choose flat ground or a gentle slope to avoid risks. If I must park on a steep slope, besides pulling the handbrake firmly, I also place a piece of wood or a specialized wheel chock behind the tires to increase resistance. Every month, I do a simple check to ensure the handbrake pulls up smoothly without any looseness, and if I find any issues, I go to the garage for adjustments immediately. These small steps are easy and safe—don’t learn from my initial carelessness.
