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If your handbrake is frozen in winter, you should not simply drive off. To avoid damaging your vehicle, you should proceed with extreme caution when releasing the brake. We will show you how to release a frozen handbrake using simple tricks.
First aid: Frozen handbrake
If the handbrake does not release on its own, you should solve the problem with a certain amount of caution to avoid damaging the vehicle.
- Release the handbrake in the car and drive forward or backward carefully. As long as the handbrake is not fully engaged, this will not cause any damage to the car.
- Drive just a few centimeters and stop again. If the handbrake has not released, drive again. If this does not help, you can warm up the handbrake.
- To do this, take a hair dryer and hold it as close as possible to the rear wheel brakes. Do not use a hot air blower or other devices. The brakes should not be exposed to much more heat than a hair dryer. Once the brakes have warmed up again, the handbrake will release.
- Defrost both the left and right sides. Only a few older vehicles have the handbrake on the front wheels. Hold the hair dryer as close as possible to the area of the wheel where the brake is located, which is usually on the left or right side.
Handbrake remains frozen – what to do?
As a rule, the handbrake can be released quickly, but in a few cases you will not be able to continue without outside help.
- If the above tips do not help, there is most likely a defect in the brake system. In this case, you will need to transport your car to the nearest repair shop or have it towed.
- If your handbrake frequently freezes, it is best not to use it on cold days. Instead, simply engage first gear.
