Why Does the Handbrake Not Hold?
4 Answers
The handbrake not holding is due to the presence of air in the brake fluid. Below is an introduction to the related content of brake shoes: 1. Brake Pads: Brake shoes, also known as brake pads, are consumable items. The wear of brake shoes means that during the use of the car, the brakes will gradually wear down the brake shoes. When the wear reaches its limit, they must be replaced; otherwise, it will reduce braking effectiveness and may even lead to brake failure, causing accidents. 2. Replacement: Some cars have a warning light on the dashboard when the brake shoes are worn, reminding the driver to replace the brake shoes promptly. Generally, new brake shoes are about 1.5 centimeters thick. If the brake shoes wear down to less than 5 millimeters, it is recommended to replace them.
Last time I drove my old car to park on a hillside, I encountered this exact problem—the handbrake couldn't hold at all, and the car started rolling backward. I was so scared that I immediately stomped on the foot brake. Later, when I took it to the shop, the mechanic told me there could be several reasons: the brake cable might have loosened over years of use, losing its tension; the brake pads could be worn too thin, reducing friction; or components might have rusted and seized, which is especially common in humid areas. I tried adjusting it myself, but it's better not to DIY—if not done right, parking on steep slopes becomes even riskier. I'd advise you to visit a professional repair shop ASAP. They can precisely adjust the brake cable or replace worn parts. Safety first—don't take risks like I did. By the way, regular brake system maintenance can prevent such troubles. Just ask the mechanic to check during oil changes—don't wait until something goes wrong to regret it.
As someone who frequently goes on road trips, I've encountered several instances where the handbrake failed, especially after long journeys. The reasons are multifaceted: it could be due to the brake cable stretching or becoming too loose, which requires readjustment; or severe dust accumulation and wear inside the brake drum, leading to insufficient friction; sometimes, the handbrake mechanism itself may be aging or jammed, particularly prone to freezing in winter. If you're parking on a flat surface, it's not a big issue, but never rely on it when parked on a slope—always engage the parking gear or use something to block the wheels. I've done simple checks myself, like pulling the handbrake to listen for sounds or checking if the wheels move freely, but for actual repairs, it's best to consult a professional. Now, I make it a habit to inspect the brake system every six months to avoid sudden failures. Sharing this tip hoping it makes everyone's travels safer.
I found that the parking brake not holding is mainly caused by hardware issues. Common reasons include brake pads worn beyond the limit and unable to brake effectively, or the brake cable being slack due to aging and unable to provide sufficient braking force, and there could also be loose adjustment screws. When encountering this problem, never force it to work. Immediately park on level ground and check if the wheels are locked. If you feel any looseness, go for repairs immediately—safety comes first. Repairs are usually simple, and a repair shop can quickly adjust or replace parts to resolve the issue.
