Winter mornings can bring unpleasant surprises. Is your handbrake frozen? Check out what to do and what to avoid.
“Don’t leave your car in manual mode in winter because it will freeze and you won’t start,” older drivers say. They are right? Sometimes…yes, because the handbrake can really be a problem in freezing weather. However, there are situations where you still need to drag, such as when parking on a slope. Also, some people do it out of habit. So, let’s say a black scenario comes true - we get into the car in the morning, we want to “release” the handbrake and move off … but we can’t, the wheels are still blocked.
Why does the handbrake freeze?
“The problem is that dirt and water accumulate on individual mechanisms. Pollution makes them work with increasing resistance. Water, on the contrary, can freeze during frosts. And this means that the driver has a ready-made problem, ”Describes Moto.pl. Sometimes, even when the brake is released, the pads and rotors can still be slightly tight, making it difficult to ride, causing heat buildup, and possibly cost. In the worst case, you will have to replace the rear brake kit. This is at least a few hundred zlotys.
What to do if the PDA freezes?
First, let’s see what not to do. One of the most popular ways is to … kick the wheel or hit it with a hammer, board or whatever is at hand. Unfortunately, most of the time this can end up… in damage to the hubcaps. The effectiveness of such treatments is low.
Which way is better? Unfortunately, it is better to wait until the temperature rises. When the thaw arrives, visit a workshop and replace or clean the components causing the problem. The alternative is, according to Moto.pl, calling a mechanic to warm up the frozen system, or transporting the car to it on a tow truck. It won’t be cheap. Take care of the handbrake in advance. Owners of vehicles with an electronic system are in a better position. There are no cables and levers that can get dirty and cold, just a small motor that locks the brakes at the back.
Source: Wprost
I am Jason Root. I work in the news website industry and mostly cover the automobile industry. I have also written for Daily News Hack. My work revolves around new car models, prices, and features. In addition, I often write about used cars and tips for buying them. My articles are meant to be helpful for those who are in the market for a new or used car.
