How to release stuck handbrake in car: best tips

23 May 2025

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Stranded with a stubborn parking brake? If you aren’t sure what to do if the handbrake is stuck, this guide should help you free your wheels by identifying the primary causes and effective solutions.

When should you use the car handbrake?

The handbrake, also known as the parking or emergency brake, serves several purposes beyond just parking on a hill. It's recommended to use the handbrake in the following cases:

Whenever you park – regardless of whether it’s on a level surface or an incline as this will prevent the car from rolling into people, animals or vehicles.
For emergency stops – in case the hydraulic brake fails, you can use the parking brake to slow the vehicle down.

Why is my handbrake stuck?

If the handbrake is stuck and cannot be released, it could be due to a few factors. For example, in winter, the freezing cold temperatures can cause the mechanism to freeze in place. The simplest solution here is to let your car warm up a bit before you release it and set off.

Another possible reason is that the parking brake parts are rusted or corroded. This is particularly an issue for old cars or vehicles that are parked outside for long periods. You may be able to inspect the brakes from underneath the vehicle yourself.

If you’re pulling the handbrake with the same force as the Incredible Hulk, there’s a good chance that you’ve accidentally jammed the brakes against the walls of the wheel drums. You should also avoid doing this to prevent the handbrake cable from being overstretched.

Lastly, if the parking is left engaged for too long, i.e. longer than a couple of days, the handbrake can be trickier to release.

How to release a handbrake that is stuck

Frozen handbrake

Let the engine run for a few minutes until it has warmed up enough. You may be able to speed up the heating process by gently revving the engine a couple of times. This should be enough to melt the ice around the mechanism. Try disengaging the car parking brake a few times to remove any remaining ice.

Rusty handbrake mechanism

It is best to avoid this situation in the first place by regularly servicing the vehicle and conducting spot checks. Badly corroded parts will need to be replaced as soon as possible to restore the vehicle’s brakes.

Electric handbrake is stuck and won’t disengage

Sometimes the electronic parking brake won’t disengage due to a fault in the electrical system. One common cause is a fault in the electronic control module or brake actuator, which can prevent the brake from being released.

The vehicle isn’t going to budge until it has been fixed, so you’ll probably need to get a tow truck to drop it off at a garage. If the parking brake motors are serviceable, you may be able to disengage it manually by removing the bolts holding the parts in place and turning the brake caliper piston adjustment bolt to release the caliper.

Please note: only carry this out if you have sufficient knowledge of the braking system and are parked in a secure area with no other vehicles or pedestrians.

You can find compatible brakes parts for your specific car model online by entering useful data, including the model name, year and engine displacement, or the OEM part number.

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