If you’ve ever parked on a hill and felt that sinking feeling as your car starts to roll, you know how important a functioning park brake (also known as a handbrake or emergency brake) is. When your park brake fails to keep your car stationary, it’s not only annoying but also a serious safety hazard. In this post, I’ll walk you through the common symptoms and causes of park brake issues, what’s involved in repairing them, and why My Auto Shop is your best bet for getting back on the road safely.
Is your park brake trying to tell you something?
A few key signs can indicate that your park brake needs attention:
- Your car rolls or slides when parked on an incline, even with the park brake engaged
- The park brake lever or button feels loose, spongy, or requires more force than usual to engage
- You hear unusual noises like squealing, grinding, or clicking when engaging or releasing the park brake
- The park brake warning light stays on even when the brake is released
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s time to get your park brake checked out. Ignoring these warning signs can lead to more severe problems down the line, compromising your safety and potentially leading to costly repairs.
What’s causing your park brake woes?
Several culprits can be behind a malfunctioning park brake:
- Worn brake pads or shoes: Over time, the friction material on your brake pads or shoes wears down, reducing their ability to grip the rotor or drum and hold your car in place.
- Stretched or damaged cables: The cables connecting your park brake lever to the brake mechanism can stretch, fray, or snap, preventing proper engagement.
- Corroded or seized components: Exposure to the elements can cause park brake components to rust or seize up, hindering their movement and effectiveness.
Getting your park brake back in action
Repairing a faulty park brake depends on the underlying issue but typically involves:
- Replacing worn brake pads or shoes
- Adjusting or replacing stretched or damaged cables
- Cleaning and lubricating corroded or seized components
- Bleeding the brake system to remove air bubbles (for hydraulic park brakes)
In some cases, more extensive work may be needed, such as replacing the brake rotor or drum, the calliper or wheel cylinder, or even the park brake lever assembly itself.
What’s the damage?
The cost of park brake repairs in New Zealand can vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle and the extent of the issue. On average, you can expect to pay:
- $150 to $300 for a basic park brake adjustment or cable replacement
- $250 to $500 for a more comprehensive repair involving brake pads, rotors, or callipers
- $500+ for complex repairs on luxury or high-performance vehicles
Keep in mind that these are rough estimates, and the actual cost may be higher or lower based on your specific situation.
Why trust My Auto Shop with your park brake problems?
When it comes to brake repairs, you want a mechanic you can trust to get the job done right. That’s where My Auto Shop comes in. Here’s why we’re your best choice:
- Convenience: We bring the workshop to you, with mobile mechanics available across New Zealand.
- Expertise: Our mechanics are fully qualified, with years of experience and a passion for keeping your car running smoothly.
- Transparency: We provide upfront, competitive pricing and quotes for all services and repairs.
- Quality: All work is covered by our 10,000km warranty, giving you peace of mind.
- Customer satisfaction: Don’t just take our word for it – check out our glowing reviews on Google!
So, if your park brake is giving you grief, don’t wait until it’s too late. Book a brake inspection with My Auto Shop today, and let us help you get back to parking with confidence.