Parking brakes (also referred to as handbrakes) are an essential safety feature that help stop your vehicle from rolling away when it is parked, yet sometimes they become jammed and can become difficult or impossible to use.
Corrosion may be to blame; but stretched-out or damaged cables could also play a part. If your handbrake is stuck, here are a few suggestions to help release it:
1. Turn the engine on
Emergency brakes – or handbrakes – are an essential safety feature of your car when primary brakes don’t provide enough stopping power. However, just like any component it may occasionally fail or become stuck.
This can happen for various reasons. Cold temperatures may cause ice to form on cables and parts of your vehicle, or maybe overusing the brake caused it to stretch and become jammed up.
Avoid this problem by regularly using and applying the parking brake gently, and getting it serviced regularly so corrosion or other issues can be detected and addressed as quickly as possible.
2. Turn the ignition off
Your car’s parking brake, also referred to as an emergency or e-brake, is an integral safety feature that prevents it from rolling away while you park it. Unfortunately, however, your parking brake can become inoperable for various reasons such as cold weather and corrosion causing it to jam in place.
As it happens, there are various techniques for unlocking a stuck handbrake. From rocking the car back and forth to getting under it and pulling out its cable manually – there are multiple approaches you can take.
Start off by starting up the engine to warm up its undercarriage and melt any ice that may be holding down the parking brake. If time is of the essence, revving up your engine slightly may help expedite matters; just be careful not to go too fast or too hard so as to prevent engine damage.
3. Pull the handbrake cable
Brake shoes can become lodged between the walls of your wheel drum, stretching out your cable connection from handbrake handle to wheels. Pulling too hard on the brake handle could cause these components to jam together and become difficult or impossible to release.
Apply and release the handbrake multiple times, rock the car back and forth, or use a hammer to tap on the front brake drum (be careful not to damage hub). If none of these methods work, contact a tow truck immediately.
Apply a penetrating lubricant to the handbrake mechanism and cables to loosen any corrosion or rust that might be blocking them up. This should also help unjam them if there is anything jamming them up.
4. Rock the car back and forth
Car handbrakes may become stuck in the ON position for various reasons, with low temperatures being the primary culprit. Low temperatures cause the mechanism of the handbrake to freeze in place and cannot be reversed by simply turning off or on.
To unstick a frozen handbrake, try rocking your vehicle back and forth while holding onto your brake pedal firmly. Doing this may release the handbrake while protecting your transmission from excessive force usage. If that doesn’t work, try applying penetrating lubricant directly to the mechanism or cable; though this may require professional advice.
5. Pull the handbrake lever
A handbrake (also referred to as an emergency brake or e-brake) is an invaluable safety feature that prevents your car from rolling away on an inclined surface when parked. Working independently from primary brakes, it serves as a backup in case they malfunction for any reason.
To release your car’s handbrake, first make sure it is on a flat surface and the transmission is set in either Park (automatic transmissions) or Neutral (manual transmissions). Locate and push down on the foot brake pedal (also called an E-brake pedal).
Be careful not to exert too much force as this could damage the mechanism or cable. Furthermore, make sure your parking brake is regularly used and regularly serviced to maintain optimal condition.
6. Put the car in park
Your vehicle’s parking brake is an invaluable safety feature that helps prevent its contents from rolling away while it is parked, yet occasionally this device becomes stuck for various reasons.
Over time, the cables connecting your parking brake lever to its brake can become rusty and deformed, leading to eventual malfunction and eventual jamming of your parking brake lever. To avoid this complication altogether and protect its functionality for future use, make a habit out of using it every time you park or at least once every week.
Extreme temperatures can cause your car’s handbrake mechanisms to freeze in place, forcing you to start the engine and let it warm up before revving gently in order to accelerate this process. Be careful when doing this not to apply excessive force as this could damage either cable or mechanism of your handbrake system.
7. Pull the brake pedal
If your parking brake has become stuck due to corrosion or long periods without use, manual relief may be possible. Pump the brakes 10 times to dislodge rust particles and release your parking brake; rocking back and forth or shifting between drive and reverse may also assist.
Keep your cool and avoid using excessive force when troubleshooting a stuck handbrake. Applying too much pressure could damage its levers or buttons, preventing release. If all else fails, professional assistance might be required; they can check for internal issues which might prevent release as well as provide any advice they can.
Conclusion
A stuck parking brake can be a frustrating and potentially risky situation, but with some patience and the right techniques—like rocking the car, applying penetrating lubricant, or gently working the brake lever—you can often free it yourself. Regular maintenance and using the parking brake frequently can also help prevent it from sticking in the future.
