Are you experiencing reduced performance from the parking brake in your Land Rover? A good parking brake is very essential for safety purposes, particularly when you are on a slope. If your Land Rover’s brake is slipping or feels weaker than usual there might be a problem. Let’s see why this is happening and what you should do about it.

Why Does Your Parking Brake Fail?

Damaged Brake Pads

Like the normal brakes, the parking brake utilizes the brake pads or shoes to lock the car in a position. These components are used over a period of time and they degenerate in such a manner that they can no longer grip well. If you find that your parking brake is not as effective or needs more force to engage then the pads may be worn out.

Stretched or Broken Cables

In most Land Rovers, the parking brake system works through cables that are connected to the brake mechanism. These cables can expand with time or even break if they are weak or have developed some form of rust. When this occurs the parking brake will not grab or hold as effectively, or in some cases, it may not hold at all. If you find that the brake lever or pedal is slightly loose, chances are that the cable is stretched or broken.

Corroded Components

As you know, the parking brake is located outside the car and sometimes if you live in an area with severe weather conditions then the components of the parking brake are likely to corrode and stiffen. Corrosion can make the cable or the brake pad stick and this will lead to the failure of the brake to engage or release. Periodic use of the parking brake is beneficial because it prevents rust from affecting the components.

Malfunctioning Electronic Parking Brake

Modern cars manufactured by Land Rover have automatic parking brakes which are engaged by a button rather than a lever. Although this technology is useful, it can be problematic because of electrical circumstances such as a blown fuse or malfunction with the brake control module. If your Land Rover is equipped with an electronic parking brake, and you experience issues with it, you should take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic.

Adjustments Needed

Sometimes, all that is required is an adjustment to the parking brake. It could be that the cables or the brake mechanism have too much play in them and as such the brake is not as effective as it should be. This is usually a simple repair that can get your parking brake working again without requiring the replacement of any critical part.

Symptoms of a Bad Parking Brake

If the parking brake light on your dashboard stays on even when you have released the brake, then there is a problem with the brake system. Sometimes, you might hear grinding, squealing, or other sounds when the parking brake is applied or released; these point toward rusted or corroded parts. Another way to know your parking brake is bad is if the vehicle begins to move in an inclined plane even with the parking brake engaged.

What Should You Do To Fix The Problem

Check the Brakes

The first step is to check the brakes for signs of wear or damage that may not be easily visible. Check for signs of worn brake pads, stretched cables, or rusted parts. If you want, you can do this on your own, but if it feels strange, a mechanic can do this for you.

Test The Parking Brake

Check how the parking brake engages and releases a few times to see if it’s operating smoothly. Be observant of any signs of resistance or unusual sounds, which could be a sign of a problem.

Seek Assistance

If you are unable to pinpoint the issue or if you notice signs of severe wear or damage, it is advisable to seek assistance from a mechanic. They can diagnose the car and identify exactly where the failure has occurred so that they can advise on the remedial action to be taken.

Land Rover Parking Sensor Check

Bring Your Luxury Car To Howland Autohaus For Quality Repairs

Good care and a quick response to any issues that your Land Rover has will guarantee that it is reliable for many years. If you have concerns regarding parking brakes, we at Howland Autohaus are always here to assist you and provide you with the best service. Our certified mechanics have been assisting both European and Asian car owners in Heath, OH for more than 30 years. We also extend our services to others in the Central Ohio area including Granville, Buckeye Lake, Lancaster, New Albany, Hebron, Johnstown, Pataskala, Pickerington, Newark, and Zanesville, OH. Call us now to get your Land Rover serviced.