If you’ve ever parked on a steep hill, you’ll need to say thanks to your park brake. Your brake pedal uses your brake pads to slow the car down. The parking brake system utilises the same idea. It uses the rear brakes to lock the rear wheels.
In an automatic transmission you have park, that’s different to a park brake. In a manual, you leave it ‘in gear’. But as an even better form of stopping insurance, you have the park brake. In the form of a lever in the center console or foot brake.
How does a park brake stop your car?
The park brake, or emergency brake (we’ll get into that in a minute), is activated by either mechanical or electric motor. Your park brake consists of a caliper or fits inside the drum, depending on braking system. The mini caliper is separate to the brake calipers.
When you depress the foot pedal or pull the park brake lever it engages the rear brake pad or shoes. As you pull up or activate it, there is a cable which is split between the rear wheels. This cable is what activates the rear brakes. This means the rear wheels are locked and prevent the car from rolling.
The reason that the park brake is also called the ‘Emergency Brake’ is that this system is independent of the cars braking system. So if, for any reason, the vehicle’s braking system fails you can still stop the car. In an emergency, pull the hand brake slowly, if a foot pedal – depress it slowly.
What are possible issues with a park brake?
Much like anything to do with your brake system in general.
- The pads can wear out and not provide proper stopping force.
- The cable can lose tension and not engage the brakes properly. Leading to the car ‘creaking’ as it rolls despite the park brake being applied.
- There can be a brake imbalance and the braking force divided poorly. This will require adjustment of the cable.
- It won’t disengage. This is usually a seized caliper or the cable has failed.
What to do if there’s a problem with your park brake?
Look no further and calm down. We can have your car stopped securely in no time at all. One of our partner garages will have your car on the hoist and the problem solved quickly and cheaply.