Posted on 2/28/2025
A hand brake is supposed to keep your car in place when parked, but what happens when it doesn’t feel secure? If you’ve noticed that your hand brake is loose or not holding properly, it’s not something to ignore. A failing hand brake can put your vehicle at risk of rolling unexpectedly, creating dangerous situations on hills or in parking lots. But what causes this problem, and what can you do about it? How the Hand Brake Works Before explaining why your hand brake might be loose, it helps to know how it functions. The hand brake, also called the parking brake or emergency brake, is a separate braking system from your main brakes. It typically operates using a cable that locks the rear wheels when engaged. This prevents the car from moving when parked, especially on inclines. Depending on your car, the hand brake may be a traditional lever, a foot pedal, or an electronic switch. No matter the type, if it feels loose or isn’t holding the car p ... read more