Your vehicle’s emergency brake (also known as e-brake, parking brake, or handbrake) is essential to its safety mechanics. It’s designed to keep your vehicle stationary when parked, especially on an incline. Unfortunately, like every component of your vehicle, your emergency brake can wear out or malfunction over time. If your emergency brake isn’t functioning properly, it could lead to serious safety issues, including your car rolling unexpectedly. At McCormick Automotive, we believe in proactive maintenance and car care. Here are some signs that may indicate your emergency brake needs repair:
The Emergency Brake Doesn’t Hold The Vehicle in Place
One of the most obvious signs that your emergency brake isn’t in good condition is if it fails to keep your car stationary when engaged. Whether you’re parked on a flat surface or an incline, if your car rolls at all after you’ve set the emergency brake that’s a sign that it’s time to have it checked out. This could mean that the brake pads or cables are worn out or damaged, impeding its ability to hold the car in place.
The Emergency Brake Feels Loose or Spongy
If the emergency brake handle feels uncharacteristically loose or “spongy” when you engage it, that may signal a problem with the brake cable or mechanism. Your emergency brake should feel firm and engage with a reasonable amount of resistance. A loose or soft handle could be caused by cable wear or slack, two issues that will compromise the brake’s effectiveness.
Your Brake Doesn’t Fully Engage
If your emergency brake doesn’t fully engage when you pull the lever or press the foot pedal, this can be a sign that there is an issue with the brake’s internal components. This could be due to a misadjustment or wear in cable or brake pads. If your brake doesn’t click into position properly, we suggest bringing your vehicle in to have a mechanic address the issue – a repair or adjustment may be in order.
Your Emergency Brake Makes Unusual Noises
Strange noises are never a good sign, so if you’re hearing squeaking, grinding, or rattling when you engage your emergency brake, it may be time to have your vehicle inspected by a professional. These sounds could indicate that your brake pads are worn down, or that the mechanism is dirty, rusted, or misaligned. If you hear any noise when pulling the emergency brake, visit us at McCormick!
A Warning Light on Your Dashboard
Fortunately, modern vehicles take the guesswork out of vehicle maintenance by alerting you to any troubles. If a light on your dashboard stays on after you release your emergency brake, it could mean there’s a malfunction with the system. This could point to a variety of issues, like low brake fluid levels, an issue with the cable, or problems with the brake pads.
The Brake Pedal or Lever Doesn’t Return to Its Standard Position
Once you release the emergency brake it should return to its original position without issue. If the pedal or lever gets stuck in an elevated position, there could be an issue with cables or mechanical parts of the brake system. This can prevent the brake from disengaging fully, leading to potentially devastating damage to your transmission or brake system.
Trouble Pulling or Releasing the Emergency Brake
If you’re experiencing difficulties when trying to engage or disengage the emergency brake, this could indicate a mechanical issue. This might be a sign that the cable is rusted, stuck, or improperly adjusted. This is a sign the emergency brake should be assessed and repaired by a professional – like our team at McCormick!
What Should You Do If You’re Concerned About Your Emergency Brake?
If you’ve noticed any concerning signs surrounding your emergency brake, it’s important to have it inspected by a professional mechanic as soon as you are able. Neglecting any vehicle repairs can make your vehicle unsafe and lead to more extensive (and expensive) damage down the road!
At McCormick Automotive, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing brake systems, ensuring you can return to the road in a safe and reliable vehicle. Our team of certified technicians will conduct a thorough inspection of your emergency brake along with other braking components to ensure everything is functioning properly. We use high-quality parts and are committed to transparent pricing, so you know you can trust us to get the job done right!
Don’t wait for your emergency brake to fail – contact McCormick Automotive today or book through our convenient online booking system.
