Safety
Handbrake not holding: cable stretch vs electronic parking brake faults
“Handbrake not holding” and “electronic parking brake fault” are safety searches. A weak park brake is illegal at inspection and dangerous on hills.
Cable systems
Stretch, seized cables, and worn rear shoes or pads reduce holding force. Adjustment helps only if friction material remains. Seized cables need replacement, not endless tightening.
Electronic parking brakes (EPB)
- Warning lamp or message on the cluster
- Motor noise without clamping
- Rear pads worn with EPB still engaged during service
EPB rear jobs need service mode so the caliper motors retract. Book a brake appointment on CarFix and note whether you have a manual lever or EPB switch.
FAQ
Is brake squeal always urgent?
Often wear indicators. Grinding metal-on-metal needs a bay soon to save the discs.
Should pads and discs be replaced together?
If discs are below minimum thickness or heavily scored, replace as an axle set with new pads.