Here’s what you should do if your parking brake is stuck

The parking brake or e-brake is an important part of car safety – until it gets stuck and causes more trouble for you! Here a few simple hacks you can use to solve the problem of a stuck parking brake.

Depending on whether you’re an experienced driver or not, the parking brake is either an oft-used or completely neglected feature of your car! While novice drivers only ever use it when parking on a slope, those with some miles behind them know that it is essential to keeping your car safe even on flat surfaces. That being said, there could be times when the handbrakes could get stuck, leaving you in an even worse pickle than before. Let’s take a look at how to approach such a sticky situation!

What is a parking brake? 

The parking brake or handbrake is a mechanism that helps keep a vehicle secure and motionless when parked, especially on inclined surfaces. Usually, the parking brake consists of a cable connecting the wheel brakes, which are in turn connected to a pulling mechanism. The handbrake usually only acts on both the rear wheels, which are easier to stop due to reduced traction. Parking brakes can be manually operated (via a lever) or can be electronic in nature.

The benefit of a handbrake is that a driver can use it to stop the car even if the main hydraulic brake system fails.

When is a parking brake used?

Contrary to popular opinion, a handbrake can be used not just when parking on a slope, but also on a flat surface. It is a good habit to develop and is part of safe parking measures to follow. Using the handbrake regularly also keeps it in proper working condition and gives you an extra layer of security when parking. It is generally used in the following circumstances:

• To prevent the car from rolling downhill when parked on a slope
• When the car is stopped at a traffic light
• If the car needs to be stopped suddenly and the main braking system is not enough
• Handbrakes are also used in street racing/ drag racing to initiate a rear-wheel drift

How to engage/disengage the brake manually? 

 You can engage or disengage the parking brake depending on what type of brake is used in your vehicle. 

• Stick lever brake: This is commonly found in older models and is located under the instrument panel. It can also be engaged by pulling on the lever and is disengaged by pushing it back in place.
• Center lever handbrake: This is found in most late-model vehicles, and is located between the seats. To engage the emergency brake, simply pull up the lever. You can press the button on the end and push the lever down to disengage it easily.
• Pedal brake: This type is found on the floor, to the left of the gas, brake, and clutch pedals. To engage it, press down on the pedal until you hear it click. To disengage, pull the lever above the pedal and release it.
• Electronic brake: Typically found in newer models, an electronic brake can be engaged and disengaged at the push of a button.

What to do if your parking brake gets stuck

Parking brakes can be your backup in case things go awry, but they are still mechanical parts that undergo wear and tear. Often, brakes can malfunction or get stuck in position and create problems for you. Here are the common situations in which brakes can get stuck, and what to do in such situations.

1. If your brake is frozen due to cold weather

This is a common malady affecting brakes in cold regions. Falling mercury levels can cause parking brakes to freeze in place. However, it’s also the easiest issue to fix!

Solution: You can try to melt the ice holding the brake in place by turning on your car engine. Gently rev the engine to heat it up and speed up the melting process. This will take time – so don’t be in a hurry! After a few minutes, try to release and re-apply the brake – this will help break up and the remaining ice. If you are able to release the handbrake all the way, that means you’ve successfully unstuck the brake.

2. Parking brake stuck due to rust or corrosion

To state the obvious, the handbrake is a mechanical part, made of metal. A general rule with metals is that they can always get corroded over time. This can also happen with the cables of your handbrake, especially if your car is old. The rust may stop the smooth locking mechanism of the brake, which could lead to it getting stuck.

Solution: You may be able to dislodge some of the rust by applying and releasing the brakes a few times. You can also try to shift into drive and reverse alternately to help start moving the car back and forth. This may remove some of the rust. However, it’s always best to get your vehicle checked by a mechanic to lubricate all the important parts.

3. If the brake is left engaged for too long

Handbrakes should not be left engaged for more than a few days, as they could get stuck or frozen in place for a combination of reasons – including low temperatures and corrosion. As a general rule, avoid engaging your brake for more than

Solution: The common tactic most drivers use is similar to the problem of a frozen parking brake: turn on the engine, keep revving it a few times, and try rocking it back and forth to disengage it. If that does not work, it’s best to call for a tow truck or professional mechanics.

4. Parking brake jammed from engaging too hard

Overenthusiastic drivers often jam the handbrakes too hard, which could stretch the cable and jam the brake shows against the walls of the wheel drum. This could result in your brake staying engaged even if you try to release the lever.

Solution: Try to engage and release the brake a few times in a row – but if it doesn’t show signs of moving, it’s best to call for professional help. It’s important that you don’t try to drive your vehicle while waiting for the mechanics – that could further aggravate the problem.

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