Parking Brake

The parking brake (commonly called the handbrake in the UK) is a vital safety feature that mechanically locks the rear wheels to prevent your vehicle from rolling away when parked, especially on hills. It operates independently of the main hydraulic footbrake system.

Traditional mechanical handbrakes use a lever (or sometimes a foot pedal) to pull cables that activate brake shoes in rear brake drums or the calipers on the brake pads to brake discs

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Modern vehicles often feature an electronic parking brake (EPB), activated by a dashboard button, where electric motors on the rear calipers apply the braking force automatically and many include auto-hold functions.

Unfortunately, parking brake systems can fail due to stretched or corroded cables in mechanical types (causing poor holding power or seizure), worn components, lack of use leading to rust, or—in electronic systems—electrical faults, low battery, faulty actuators, or sensor issues. Regular checks and adjustments during servicing help prevent these problems and ensure reliable operation.