What Are The Reasons For A Mazda Parking Brake Failure?
The parking brake, or emergency brake, is one of the most essential safety features in any car, including your Mazda. It ensures that the vehicle remains stationary when parked, preventing it from rolling away and causing accidents. When it fails, it can lead to serious issues, both in terms of safety and vehicle functionality. So, what causes a Mazda parking brake to fail? In this article, we’ll dive into some of the most common reasons behind parking brake malfunctions and provide some helpful insights on what you can do to prevent or fix the problem.
If you're already experiencing issues with your Mazda parking brake, you can get expert help from Empire Mazda of Greenbrook, where skilled technicians are ready to assist you.
1. Worn-Out Parking Brake Cables
The parking brake system in your Mazda relies heavily on cables to engage and disengage the brake mechanism. Over time, these cables can stretch or wear out due to regular use, reducing the parking brake’s ability to hold your car in place. When the cables are too worn or damaged, the parking brake may not engage fully, or it may fail to lock in position altogether.
The stretching of the cables can occur gradually, so you might not notice the problem immediately. However, if you feel that the parking brake lever or pedal is looser than usual, it could be a sign that the cables are starting to wear out. In more severe cases, the cables might snap, leading to a complete failure of the parking brake system.
2. Corrosion and Rusting
Mazda vehicles, like any other cars, are susceptible to rust and corrosion, especially if they are exposed to harsh weather conditions such as rain, snow, or salt used on roads during winter. If moisture gets into the parking brake components, such as the cables, calipers, or the brake pads, it can lead to rust and corrosion.
Corrosion on the parking brake cables or other components can make it harder for the system to engage and disengage properly. In some cases, it may prevent the parking brake from functioning altogether. Rusted components may also get stuck, causing your brake system to become less responsive or unreliable.
3. Brake Pad Wear and Tear
The parking brake on your Mazda works by applying pressure to the rear brake pads or shoes to hold the vehicle in place. Over time, brake pads wear down due to regular use, and they may become less effective at holding the car still. When brake pads are too worn, the parking brake system may not be able to provide enough stopping force to keep the car in place, even if you pull the lever or press the pedal.
If you’ve noticed that your parking brake isn’t working as effectively as it used to or requires more effort to engage, it might be a sign that the brake pads are nearing the end of their lifespan. Replacing the brake pads is often necessary to restore proper parking brake functionality.
4. Faulty Parking Brake Mechanism
The parking brake system itself is a complex mechanical setup with various components working together. Over time, one or more of these components can fail due to wear, lack of lubrication, or even poor manufacturing. The mechanism could include the parking brake lever, pedal, calipers, or the linkage that connects them.
If any part of the mechanism breaks or fails, it can prevent the parking brake from engaging correctly. In such cases, you may find that the parking brake is either stuck in the engaged position or doesn’t lock into place when you apply it. A malfunctioning mechanism may also cause the brake to release unexpectedly, which could be dangerous if the car is left unattended.
5. Brake Fluid Leaks
While brake fluid leaks typically affect your vehicle’s hydraulic braking system, they can also have an impact on the parking brake, particularly in vehicles that use hydraulic parking brake systems. A leak in the brake lines, calipers, or master cylinder could lead to a loss of pressure, causing the parking brake to fail.
If your Mazda has a hydraulic parking brake system, it's essential to check the brake fluid levels regularly. Low brake fluid can lead to decreased braking performance overall, including the parking brake system, making it more difficult for the brake to hold your car in place.
6. Improper Adjustment
Another reason your Mazda parking brake might fail is improper adjustment. Over time, parking brake systems can lose their ability to maintain proper tension in the cables or hydraulic system. If the parking brake isn’t adjusted correctly, it may not engage or disengage fully, causing it to fail in holding the vehicle stationary.
It’s important to have your parking brake system adjusted regularly to ensure optimal performance. Whether it’s adjusting the cables or checking the hydraulic system, making sure everything is in proper alignment can go a long way in preventing parking brake failure.
7. Use of the Parking Brake During Driving
Another common mistake that can lead to parking brake failure is using it while driving. Many drivers make the mistake of leaving the parking brake partially engaged while driving, especially if they forget to release it completely. This can lead to overheating of the brake components, causing the parking brake system to wear out prematurely.
If you notice your parking brake light is on while driving, it’s important to stop and check whether the parking brake has been fully released. Continuously driving with the parking brake partially engaged can result in more severe damage, including brake pad wear, overheating, and eventual system failure.
8. Faulty Brake Light Switch
In some Mazda vehicles, the parking brake system is linked to the brake light switch. This switch ensures that the brake lights come on when the parking brake is engaged. If the switch fails, you might not be able to tell whether your parking brake is properly engaged or not. In some cases, the brake light might stay on even when the parking brake is released, which could signal that the system is malfunctioning.
A malfunctioning brake light switch can also lead to safety concerns, as it may not provide the appropriate visual warning to other drivers when your parking brake is engaged. If you notice that your brake lights are behaving erratically or staying on, it’s worth checking the parking brake system and switch.
For professional assistance with your Mazda’s parking brake or to schedule a repair, visit Empire Mazda of Greenbrook, where their expert team is ready to ensure your vehicle’s safety and functionality.