What does the parking brake release cable do?
The parking brake acts as a secondary braking system which allows your vehicle to remain stationary when parked. Most cars either use a hand brake or foot brake.
The parking brake release cable allows you to disengage the brake and start driving. If the release cable is broken or faulty, the parking brake may not engage/disengage when you need it to.
Causes of a faulty parking brake release cable:
Rust – The cable can become rusty over time. This can cause it to malfunction and not release your parking brake.
Low temperature – The parking brake cable functions best in normal, everyday temperatures. Although it is very uncommon, very low temperatures can cause the cable to snap.
Symptoms of a broken parking brake release cable:
The main symptom of a broken cable is the parking brake not engaging or disengaging. It will likely feel jammed or stuck in place. Try to avoid driving with the parking brake engaged as this can cause more damage to your braking system, resulting in a more expensive repair.
Is it safe to drive with a faulty parking brake release cable?
If the brake is stuck in the “engaged” position, it can make driving significantly more difficult. This is due to the ongoing resistance the parking brake creates as you drive. Additionally, it can also increase wear on surrounding components. For these reasons, we recommend that you don’t drive.
If your parking brake is stuck in the “disengaged” position, your car will generally drive the same way as it normally would. However, extra care should be taken when parking as the car may be more prone to rolling, especially on steep hills. You should also keep in mind that the parking brake serves as an emergency brake and if you drive with it not working, this functionality will be lost.
Parking brake issues can cause you to fail your Warrant of Fitness
You may be here because you failed a WOF due to the parking brake being damaged. If the parking brake cannot be easily adjusted, you will fail a Warrant of Fitness. Leave it to us to fix all your parking brake related issues. Our skilled mechanics can quickly diagnose and fix the issue, getting your car legal again.
Parking brake release cable replacement in Hamilton
Is your parking brake stuck? If so, we can help! Our team can replace your parking brake release cable, allowing your parking brake to engage and disengage as it should.
Grimmer Motors has been providing reliable vehicle services to Hamilton since 1934. When you bring your vehicle to us, we can quickly and effectively diagnose problems and fix issues. For parking brake cable replacement in Hamilton, contact Grimmer Motors today!
Please Note – we don’t generally stock or supply just “parts only” for this service. We are a general automotive repair workshop. If you are able to bring your vehicle to us, we can diagnose the problem, find and fit the necessary parts, or organise the appropriate service for you.