Brakes
Handbrake Not Holding? Common Adjustment and Repair Tips
A handbrake that fails to hold may just need adjustment, but cable stretch, seized calipers, or worn shoes could be the underlying issue.
If your van or car rolls when the handbrake is applied, the first check is cable tension. Over time, handbrake cables stretch and lose effectiveness. Many vehicles have an adjustment point under the console or near the handbrake lever. However, the problem may also be seized rear brake calipers, worn brake shoes inside the drum, or a broken or corroded cable. A handbrake that does not hold properly is an MOT failure and a safety risk, especially when parking on slopes.
Key takeaways
- Cable stretch is the simplest and most common handbrake issue
- Seized calipers or worn shoes can also prevent proper holding
- A faulty handbrake is an MOT failure — address it before your test
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