Your Car’s Mighty Emergency Brake! How to Keep it Maintained

The Importance of Your Car or Truck’s Parking Brake

Winter is here and we in Louisville have been greeted with a winter weather advisory. And this means snow… and lots of it. But, when driving on the road or parking on the streets, we can feel safe because vehicles are equipped with a braking back-up system: Your emergency brake.

Your emergency brake (also known as the parking brake) is an important part of your car or truck’s safety system. Because, it provides extra security by holding your vehicle stationary when parked, especially on inclines or uneven terrain. But, it’s role goes beyond just parking. Because it serves as a backup braking system if the primary brakes fail. And this adds an extra layer of protection for you and your passengers. So in this blog the experts at Meineke in Louisville explore what may cause your emergency brake to fail and the signs you should look for to tell if it needs repair.

What May Cause a Parking Brake to Fail?

Over time, various factors can contribute to parking brake failure, including:

  1. Corrosion: Rust and debris can damage cables and mechanisms, particularly in areas with harsh winters or salty roads.
  2. Wear and Tear: Frequent use or, conversely, prolonged periods of disuse can weaken the brake cable or pads.
  3. Improper Adjustment: The brake may lose effectiveness if it isn’t correctly tensioned.
  4. Hydraulic Issues: Hydraulic system problems can affect performance in vehicles with integrated parking and service brakes.

Signs Your Parking Brake May Need Repair

  1. Difficulty Engaging or Releasing: If the lever or pedal feels stuck or loose, the system may need adjustment or repair. So head over to Meineke on Preston Highway in Louisville.
  2. Reduced Holding Power: A parking brake that struggles to keep your vehicle stationary is a clear warning sign.
  3. Warning Light Activation: Many vehicles alert you to parking brake issues with a dashboard warning light.
  4. Unusual Noises: Grinding or squealing sounds when using the parking brake indicate possible mechanical issues.

Timely Repairs Matter. Meineke Can Help.

Ignoring a failing parking brake can lead to unsafe parking situations. And it may even compromise your vehicle’s overall braking system. Therefore, regular maintenance and prompt repairs ensure reliability and protect you from costly damages or accidents. So, if you notice any of these signs, call Meineke on Preston Highway in Louisville to keep your vehicle safe and secure.

If the Meineke on Preston Highway in Louisville is not a convenient auto repair center for you, Meineke has 15 car repair centers is Kentucky:

Meineke Car Care – Dixie Hwy.
5326 DIXIE HWY
Louisville, KY 40216
Call (844) 311-4548

Meineke Car Care – Preston Hwy.
7103 Preston Highway
Louisville, KY 40219
Call (844) 605-8457

Meineke Car Care – Bardstown Rd.
4170 Bardstown Road
Louisville, KY 40218
Call (844) 321-3541

Meineke Car Care – East. Broadway
701 East Broadway
Louisville, KY 40202
Call (855) 973-7820

Meineke Car Care – Outer Loop
6420 Outer Loop
Louisville, KY 40228
Call (844) 417-2336

Meineke Car Care – Shelbyville Rd.
11514 Shelbyville Road
Louisville, KY 40243
Call (844) 352-0216

Meineke Car Care – Dupont Rd.
1019 Dupont Road
Louisville, KY 40207
Call (502) 791-9526

Meineke Car Care – Plantside Dr.
10723 Plantside Drive
Louisville, KY 40299
Call (502) 536-9765

Meineke Car Care – So. Dixie Blvd.
2197 South Dixie Blvd.
Radcliff, KY 40160
Call (866) 548-1474

Meineke Car Care – Shelbyville Rd.
3949 Shelbyville Rd
St. Matthews, KY 40207
Call (888) 633-4889

Meineke Car Care – N. Dixie Hwy.
1400 N. Dixie Hwy.
Elizabethtown, KY 42701
Call (877) 439-7844

Meineke Car Care – Midland Trail
2000 Midland Trail
Shelbyville, KY 40065
Call (844) 681-4659

Meineke Car Care – W. Hwy. 146
3717 KY-146
Buckner, KY 40010
Call (844) 353-6212

Meineke Car Care – Peachtree Rd.
100 Peachtree Road
Nicholasville, KY 40356
Call (859) 687-8290

Meineke Car Care – Arrowhead Ct.
101 Arrowhead Court
Frankfort, KY 40601
Call (833) 723-5010

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