would you drive a car with a broken handbrake?
Discussion
Yep, would have no problem whatsoever (aside from a previous poster's point about WHAT'S broken) if it's definitely the cable and not a caliper failure (I would obviously check) then I would ensure that the cables wouldn't fall out or whatever, using cable ties if necessary, and then carry on using the car.
Thinking back, I've driven and ridden bikes with all kinds of failed parts, which I didn't consider to be a major problem.
In fact, it's funny this thread has started now - because I have been using my car since last Thursday without a working starter motor. I removed it, and it is dead - but I don't get any money in until the 2nd of April - so until then, I cannot afford to replace it.
I just park on a slope. Yeah, there is the slight element of 'traffic roulette' if I DID stall the car whilst driving it - but in 4 years of ownership, I can count on the fingers of one hand the amount of times that I have...
Been ok so far...
Thinking back, I've driven and ridden bikes with all kinds of failed parts, which I didn't consider to be a major problem.
In fact, it's funny this thread has started now - because I have been using my car since last Thursday without a working starter motor. I removed it, and it is dead - but I don't get any money in until the 2nd of April - so until then, I cannot afford to replace it.
I just park on a slope. Yeah, there is the slight element of 'traffic roulette' if I DID stall the car whilst driving it - but in 4 years of ownership, I can count on the fingers of one hand the amount of times that I have...
Been ok so far...
Its a decent learning exercise really.
Pebbles167 said:
Never mind 100 miles, drove my gti-6 for 8 months with no handbrake, 2 trackdays included. No problem at all
If you let anyone else drive it HAMMER the "no handbrake, leave the bugger in gear!" point home, or else you'll be in the poop.
I wouldn't let someone drive it at all, unless I trusted them a great deal (or I was in the car with them). The responsibility in such a situation would still quite rightly lie with you to work around the fact that humans have imperfect memory, especially for something they don't take seriously, which (trying not to come across as judgemental) includes driving for most people.If you let anyone else drive it HAMMER the "no handbrake, leave the bugger in gear!" point home, or else you'll be in the poop.
Other than that, no issues. I assume a borked handbrake would have less resistance than a working one if it's the cable - thus making it reasonably obvious when you used it if you're familiar with the car?
paranoid airbag said:
..I assume a borked handbrake would have less resistance than a working one if it's the cable - thus making it reasonably obvious when you used it if you're familiar with the car?
I've found this to be completely true, if its the cable as you say.A friends E39 5 Series has a recurring problem with the handbrake shoes (common I believe) It feels fine to pull, until you get out of the car and watch it sod off into a wall.. Which did actually happen to him!
I can't even remember the last time I relied on a handbrake in any of my cars!
They have all worked to a certain extent, but for some reason I have never trusted them and never really used them. I always leave the car in first or reverse depending on the parking situation, and would never feel comfortable leaving any car I parked unless I had done so.
Fire away, I see no problem
They have all worked to a certain extent, but for some reason I have never trusted them and never really used them. I always leave the car in first or reverse depending on the parking situation, and would never feel comfortable leaving any car I parked unless I had done so.
Fire away, I see no problem
Edited by BorkFactor on Monday 31st March 01:47
Would I drive without the cable operated emergency brake? Yes. I have done, several times.
Would parking be my major concern? No.
I've suffered total failure of the hydraulic braking system while driving. I stopped the car using the handbrake. I like having an emergency brake just in case.
Would parking be my major concern? No.
I've suffered total failure of the hydraulic braking system while driving. I stopped the car using the handbrake. I like having an emergency brake just in case.
BorkFactor said:
I can't even remember the last time I relied on a handbrake in any of my cars!
They have all worked to a certain extent, but for some reason I have never trusted them and never really used them. I always leave the car in first or reverse depending on the parking situation, and would never feel comfortable leaving any car I parked unless I had done so.
Fire away, I see no problem
+1They have all worked to a certain extent, but for some reason I have never trusted them and never really used them. I always leave the car in first or reverse depending on the parking situation, and would never feel comfortable leaving any car I parked unless I had done so.
Fire away, I see no problem
Edited by BorkFactor on Monday 31st March 01:47
No handbrake = no problem until MOT time.
Just double check it's the cable. I spoke to a guy who had a big off at Druids (Oulton Park) due to handbrake failure. The brake backplate rotted away where the hold-down pins for the handbrake shoes come through. They finally lost their old on the shoes mid corner at 70 mph! I'm sure that made for an interesting moment.
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