Symptoms
- Car rolls slightly or fully when parked with the parking brake set
- Lever or pedal travels further than normal before engaging
- Electronic parking brake light may not illuminate properly when engaged
Likely causes
- CommonStretched or worn parking brake cableCables stretch over time and lose their ability to fully engage the mechanism.
- CommonWorn rear brake pads/shoes or a worn parking brake mechanismThe parking brake often uses a separate small shoe inside the rotor or the same pads, and wear reduces holding power.
- PossibleParking brake needs adjustmentMany systems have an adjustment point that can be tightened.
- PossibleElectronic parking brake motor or calibration issueCan fail to apply enough clamping force even though it appears to engage.
What to do
- Test the parking brake on a flat surface first, then cautiously on a very slight incline with the car ready to be caught.
- Check how far the lever travels or how many clicks it takes to engage, comparing to when the car was new if you can recall.
- Do not rely on the parking brake alone on a hill until this is fixed; always leave the transmission in park or in gear too.
- Have a mechanic inspect the parking brake cable, shoes, or pads for wear.
- Have the parking brake adjusted or the cable replaced if it's stretched.
- Have an electronic parking brake recalibrated or repaired by a shop with the right diagnostic tool if the issue is electronic.
Tools and parts
Parking brake cable or shoesSearch: “parking brake cable or shoe kit for your car make and model”
When to call a pro
See a mechanic to adjust or repair the parking brake, especially if you regularly park on hills.
Safety
Use caution
Don't rely on a weak parking brake to hold the car on a hill; always use park (automatic) or a gear (manual) as the primary method until it's fixed.