Some drivers, out of ignorance, still try to activate the handbrake in cold weather or right after washing the car. An expert from Behind the Wheel, Maxim Gomyanin, explains why this is a bad idea.
In freezing conditions, brake pads can seize. It makes no difference whether the vehicle has disc or drum brakes. If the pads are stuck, they will need to be separated, which is a delicate operation. The greatest risk occurs on older cars with parking brake mechanisms that have become rusty over time.
Attempting to force the pads loose can damage the parking brake cable. The pads may deform, and the situation escalates into a tow truck ride to a service center or a DIY repair on the spot, which is especially uncomfortable in the cold.
The simplest solution is to avoid getting into this situation in the first place. After washing the car, brake a few times heavily to dry out the mechanism. In a parking lot, refrain from leaving the vehicle on the handbrake. Instead, put it in gear for manual transmissions or use the park position on automatics. Try to avoid parking on a steep incline.
- “Drive” can be read in Telegram.
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