Though you may not think about it often, the parking brake is a vital part of the safety system in your car. Most drivers think it should only be used for emergencies or when parking on a hill. But in fact, it should be used every time you park, whether it’s on a steep incline, a flat surface, or somewhere in between. If you don’t use it often enough, or use it improperly, you may discover that when you really need it, it doesn’t work.

If you own a Land Rover, your parking brakes may be especially susceptible to failure, which is why we’re going to take you through everything you need to know about parking brakes and how to deal with faulty ones.

Why You Should Engage the Parking Brake Every Time You Park

Similar to how only working out certain muscles and never using others can cause those parts of your body to atrophy, the same can be true for never using a parking brake. If you only use it in emergency situations, it can cause the cables that are involved in the brake system to become loose and not do their job as effectively. That’s one of the main reasons why it’s a good idea to engage the parking brake every time you park, whether you think you need it or not.

Another reason is that it is safer. Land Rover doesn’t make manual transmission cars anymore, which needed the parking brake to remain in place. Even with an automatic transmission, however, it’s not the best idea to rely solely on your car’s regular brakes when leaving it parked for a long time, even if you’re not on a slope. The parking brake is stronger than a regular brake, and will ensure that your car stays locked in place even if the regular brakes fail.

Signs of Parking Brake Failure

There are a lot of signs to indicate when your Land Rover is having issues with its parking brake. These include:

• The brake is not engaging properly: When the parking brake is engaged, your car should be completely still. If you’re able to feel the car swaying when you’re sitting inside it with the parking brake engaged, that probably means something is wrong.
• The brake won’t release properly: If you get into your car and try to disengage the parking brake, but it won’t fully release, that’s a bad sign. Driving with the parking brake still on can damage both the car and the brake.
• The parking brake warning light is on: It’s generally a good idea not to ignore warning lights when they come on, and the parking brake is no different. If there is an issue, your dashboard will likely let you know.
• It’s slow to engage: If you have to pull hard on the brake lever before the parking brake engages, that could be a sign that the brake’s cables are losing tension or beginning to wear, both of which could eventually lead to total failure.

Reasons Behind Parking Brake Failure

We already discussed one of the biggest reasons parking brakes fail: a lack of use (or misuse). The cables that make up the brake need to be used often to maintain the proper tension. However, that’s not the only reason.

• Age: Everything in moderation, as they say. While using a parking brake every time you park is a good practice, this constant usage also causes wear and tear as the car gets older, leading to the brakes needing to be replaced.
• Manufacturing problems: Though Land Rovers are generally reliable, sometimes mistakes happen. Your vehicle may simply have a defective brake that needs to be replaced.
• Driving conditions: Using your car on unpaved roads with a lot of dust, debris, or mud can cause wear and tear on the brakes and other areas of the vehicle as well.

Where to Go For Parking Brake Repair

If you live in Rowlett, TX or surrounding cities such as Garland, Rockwall, Sachse, or Wylie, the best place to go for your Land Rover’s parking brake troubles is Rowlett Motorwerks. Our experienced technicians have the knowledge, skills, and equipment necessary to find a solution and get it done efficiently. Contact us today to learn more.