Car Tips: 7 Signs Your Vehicle Parking Hand Brake is Going Bad and Needs Immediate Attention

1. Hand Brake Feels Loose:
One of the most obvious signs that your parking hand brake is going bad is when the brake lever feels loose. If you notice that the brake lever moves more than it should when you pull it up or if it feels too easy to engage or disengage, it could be an indication that there is wear or damage in the parking brake mechanism. This can cause the brake to disengage unexpectedly, which can be dangerous when you are parked on a steep incline.

2. Parking Brake is Difficult to Pull Up:
If you notice that your car parking brake is difficult to pull up or if it requires excessive force to engage, it could be a sign that the handbrake system is going bad. This could be caused by worn or damaged brake shoes or pads that are not gripping properly or by a problem with the brake cable or springs that are causing excessive movement in the mechanism. This can make it difficult to engage the brake and could cause the brake to disengage unexpectedly.

3. Brake Lever Doesn't Hold:
If you notice that your vehicle hand brake does not hold the vehicle in place as it should, it could be a sign that the car brake mechanism is going bad. As said earlier, this could be caused by damaged brake pads or shoes or worn-out parking brake cable or springs. If your vehicle starts rolling when it is parked on a steep incline, it could be dangerous and could cause an accident.

4. Car Hand Brake Requires More Force:
If you notice that it takes more force to engage or disengage your vehicle parking handbrake than it used to, it could be a sign that the brake mechanism is going bad. This could be caused by wornout callipers or damaged brake shoes or pads that are not gripping properly or by a problem with the brake cable or springs that are causing excessive movement in the mechanism.

5. Brake Lever Makes Strange Noises:
If you hear strange noises coming from your car's parking brake when you engage or disengage it, it could be a sign that there is wear in the hand braking system. This could include squeaking, grinding, or rattling sounds that indicate that there is debris or dirt in the parking brake mechanism.

6. Parking Brake Lever Vibrates:
Another sign that your vehicle hand brake is going bad is when you notice vibrations in the brake lever when you engage or disengage it. This could be caused by wornout braking pads or brake shoes that are not gripping properly, and may need replacement.

7. Car Handbrake Feels Spongy:
If you notice that your car park brake feels spongy or mushy when you engage or disengage it, it could be a sign that the handbrake system is going bad. This could be caused by fading pads or faulty calliper or brake lever system and could cause the parking brake to disengage unexpectedly.

Summarily, these are some of the signs that your car parking brake is going bad and you should pay attention as a vehicle owner or driver to ensure your safety and that of other road users while parked on a steep incline or any other location where the vehicle needs to be held in place without the use of the engine or transmission system to prevent rolling or movement of the vehicle unintentionally or unexpectedly due to gravity or other external factors.

*For more understanding about vehicle's parking brake, consult a seasoned mechanic.

*Need parts for your car brakes? Check market stores..