Why Doesn’t My Porsche Handbrake Work Anymore?
Modern cars with automatic transmissions are designed to lock up the wheels when you shift to parking mode. This has greatly diminished the importance with which most car owners attach to their handbrake. However, it is recommended by manufacturers that you use the handbrake to immobilize your Porsche every time you park it. Some cities and states also have rules demanding that all vehicles should have engaged handbrakes whenever they are parked. Sometimes the handbrake may develop issues and stop working. Read on to find out probable causes of failure.
How It Works
In order to diagnose a faulty handbrake, it is important to know how it works. The handbrake is activated by use of a lever that is found between the center console and the driver’s seat. When you pull the handbrake, the steel cable that joins the lever to the rear brakes is tightened. This is what keeps your car stationary.
Broken Handbrake Cable
Your handbrake may fail if you do not use it for some time. This sounds strange but it is true. It also happens to be the most common cause of handbrake failure. The reason behind this is that when you do not use the handbrake, the cable may become corroded or rusted due to the buildup of dust hence causing failure. Using the handbrake on a daily basis prevents buildup of dust thus preventing the handbrake cable from getting corroded.
Broken Handbrake Lever
When you engage the handbrake it locks up until you disengage it by releasing the lever. The springs in the lever may get exhausted or break with time, causing a failure of the handbrake. When this happens you will no longer be able to engage or disengage the handbrake and your Porsche may get stuck.
Seized Handbrake
Your handbrake may also fail to work when you forget to disengage it and drive with it for a while. This causes a lot of friction which produces excess heat on your handbrake causing it to lock up the wheels. As a consequence, the brake pads and the brake rotors will wear out prematurely. The damage may be little or significant depending on the distance you drive with an engaged handbrake. It is therefore very important to always remember to disengage your handbrake before driving.
Faulty Handbrake Sensor
Whenever you see the red brake warning light on your dashboard triggered, it means there is a problem with your braking system. The handbrake sensor is responsible for triggering this light so as to inform you that your handbrake is engaged. Along with the illuminated light, modern Porsche models are designed to alert you with a ding. In the event that the handbrake sensor is faulty, it may trigger the red brake warning light on your dashboard even after you have disengaged the handbrake.
Point To Note
It is mandatory for every car to have a handbrake that is in good working condition. It is therefore important to fix any problems with your handbrake as soon as they emerge. In addition to ensuring your safety and that of other road users, keeping your handbrake in good condition helps to prevent further damage to other components of your Porsche.