(205) 674-6410
ADDRESS
[GEOTITLE] [GEOADDRESSONE] [GEOADDRESSTWO] [GEOPHONE] Directions
Store Hours [GEOHOURSMONDAY] [GEOHOURSTUESDAY] [GEOHOURSWEDNSDAY] [GEOHOURSTHURSDAY] [GEOHOURSFRIDAY] [GEOHOURSSATURDAY] [GEOHOURSSUNDAY]
Current Location
[GEOTITLE] [GEOADDRESSONE] [GEOADDRESSTWO] [GEOPHONE] | Directions
Store Hours [GEOHOURSMONDAY] [GEOHOURSTUESDAY] [GEOHOURSWEDNSDAY] [GEOHOURSTHURSDAY] [GEOHOURSFRIDAY] [GEOHOURSSATURDAY] [GEOHOURSSUNDAY]
Go

News

12

What to do When Your Parking Brake is Stuck

posted on 1/12/2018 10:52:39 AM
Have you ever gotten a little too excited using your parking brake? At some point, most of us pull up just a little too hard and get our brake lever jammed.  There are several situations that require a little extra braking power. Knowing when and how to use your brake will help you avoid sticky situations. 
 
When should I use my parking brake?
 
If you drive a manual transmission you might use your emergency brake every time you park your vehicle. You might even be using it when you are driving! Those of us with automatics might only use our e-brakes when we are parked on a hill. In reality, you should use your parking brake all the time! 

Stuck Parking Brake

 
When we park our vehicles it engages a device known as a parking pawl. This metal pin goes into a ring attached to the transmission. When in park, this pawl prevents the shaft in your transmission from turning. Parking pawls can break causing your vehicle to roll away. A parking brake is an added safeguard which can prevent your vehicle from moving even if the pawl breaks. You should use your parking brake as much as possible. It won’t hurt your vehicle and adds a little peace of mind that your vehicle won’t roll away.
 
How does my parking brake work?
 
Your emergency braking system is connected to your rear brakes. A series of cables connect to the hand lever in your vehicle. When you pull up on this lever, the brakes are engaged. Most e-brake systems are equipped with a button that releases the brakes and allows you to lower the lever. 
 
What causes my parking brake to get stuck and what do I do?
 
One big issue with parking brakes is corrosion. Water and dirt can cause cables to erode. This can cause your parking brake to fail, cables to snap, and brake pads to stick to the wheels. If you want to avoid stuck brakes, use your emergency brake on a regular basis to ensure corrosion hasn’t occurred.  
 
The e-brake can also freeze in place. If the weather is cold and wet, it is very likely that your e-brake has simply frozen in place. This can be resolved by turning on your vehicle and letting it warm up.
 
Another reason your emergency brake gets stuck is pulling it too hard. Don’t treat your e-brake lever like a strength test from a carnival game. It works just as well without all the effort. When you pull your lever too hard, it can cause your brakes to become stuck against the wall of your wheel drums. 
 
To release a stuck brake you can do several things. If it is safe to do so, you can try rocking the vehicle back and forth or manually getting under the vehicle to pull the cables. You can also try setting and releasing the brake multiple times in the hopes of knocking the brakes free. If all of these methods fail, a tow truck might be in your future. 
 
The best way to deal with a stuck parking brake is to avoid having one. Maintain the system with regular service and make sure you use your parking brake often. This will help prevent corrosion and let you know if something in the system needs attention. Also, remember to take it easy when you engage and disengage the lever. It a safety feature, not a contest!
Categories: Auto Repair 101 | View Count: (49) | Return

Related

Wheels

If you want your vehicle to stand out in a crowd, a new set of custom wheels is the way to go. Custom wheels are a finishing touch that demonstrates your pride in your vehicle. When buying custom wheels, you have plenty of choices and the amount of options can sometimes be overwhelming. Get in touch with our custom wheel expert to find the best options for your vehicle.
At A & R Tire Pros in Quinton, AL, we will advise you on choosing the perfect wheels and make sure to suggest a product that meets your performance and configuration standards. We have all the leading brands and aim at providing our customers with the best possible deal paired with the best service!

Choosing the Right Custom Wheels for Your Ride

Choosing the right new set of wheels can be difficult. We offer a large catalog of new custom wheels from top brands in all styles and finish imaginable for your car, truck, or SUV. From custom rims to factory wheels, cast alloy to forged rims, wheel accessories to tires, everything you need is right here at A & R Tire Pros!

Types of Custom Wheels

  • Alloy Wheels: Alloy wheel is made with more than one metal and is lighter than the steel wheel because most alloy wheels are made with aluminum. It is lightweight and strong, to improve performance, handling, and gas mileage.
  • Chrome Wheels: Chrome wheels are wheels that has a chrome coating finish on it. This helps to reduce the chance of your wheel becoming oxidized. Rather than being entirely composed of chrome, the surface of the wheel is instead lightly coated in chrome.
  • Custom Steel Wheels: Heavier than aluminum, these wheels are perfect for off-road driving and heavy-duty work. These strong wheels improve vehicle stability and are inexpensive and function great as a standard wheel.
Custom Wheels and Rims in Quinton, AL

Shop for Custom Wheels at A & R Tire Pros in Quinton, AL

Custom wheels are the perfect option to personalize your vehicle. Choose from all the popular wheel brands on the market today such as Cragar, Pacer, Motiv Wheels, Focal, and so much more. Once you’ve selected your new custom wheels and tires, the tires are mounted on the rims using specialized equipment, wheel balancing is done, and then your custom wheels are fitted to your vehicle. A & R Tire Pros can meet all of your tire and wheel needs. Contact us today!
Contact
Us
Schedule Appointment
Browse Our
Services

Visit Our Shop

Contact Us

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (205) 674-6410
Fax: (205) 905-7806
Address: 6518 West Jefferson Rd.
Quinton, AL 35130

Contact Us

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (205) 674-6410
Fax: (205) 905-7806
Address: 6518 West Jefferson Rd.
Quinton, AL 35130
Powered by Net Driven
Login

Make a Tire or Auto Repair Appointment Today!

A & R Tire Pros proudly serves the local Quinton, AL area. We understand that getting your car fixed or buying new tires can be overwhelming. Let us help you choose from our large selection of tires. We feature tires that fit your needs and budget from top quality brands. We pride ourselves on being your number one choice for any auto repair. Let us earn your business. Schedule an appointment today.