How to Free a Frozen Parking Brake

How to Free a Frozen Parking Brakefrom

Steps

1. Start the vehicle.

Release and set the brake repeatedly in an attempt to help dislodge any ice from the brake system.

Block as much of the open space between the ground and sides of the vehicle if the brake is still frozen. Shovel snow Or arrange other material along the sides of the vehicle. Doing this will create a path for air flow from front to rear of the vehicle, minimizing "losses" from the under the sides of the vehicle. The objective is to get the heat created by the engine and circulated to the radiator at the front of the vehicle, to the rear of the vehicle where most of the parking brake components are located (adjust for locations that differ from those offered in this article). Creating a "channel" under the vehicle by piling snow, etc. in the space under the sides of the vehicle accomplishes just that.

Allow the vehicle to "warm up". Wait inside the home or someplace other than inside the vehicle while it is running. Once the engine has warmed, the heated air pulled through the radiator by the fan and heat created by the exhaust system will pass under the length of the vehicle. The more effort used to "seal" the open spaces under the sides of the vehicle, ensures that the warm air passes under its entire length and allows the thaw process to complete in the least amount of time.

Attempt to release the brake again. If still frozen, allow more time for the heat created by the vehicle to continue thawing and/or block open spaces at the front and rear of the vehicle, too (this is particularly helpful if it is gusty or windy). Depressing the accelerator slightly will increase heat, and speed up the engine's mechanical fan; which will force more warm air under the vehicle. (Note that many newer cars, especially those that are front wheel drive, will not have a mechanical fan. The electric fans in these vehicles are unaffected by engine speed and will only turn on once the coolant has reached a predetermined temperature.)

Tips

• If the temperature is going to be below 32 degrees F (or 0 degrees C) for extended periods of time, it may be advisable to avoid using the parking brake if this can be done safely.

• When parking the vehicle, leave a standard transmission in gear and an automatic transmission in park.

Turn wheels towards the curb if parked pointing downhill or away from the curb if pointing uphill so that the car's front wheel rests against the curb.

However, you must make certain that the car will not roll without the parking brake on.

Another meaning of "Frozen Parking Brake"--jammed and inoperable: It is possible for cables to become jammed with deposits of dirt (mud), or corrosion (often in the off position). Often Drum brake shoes will stick to the drums (rust) when the E-brake has been left on too long in humid climates.

• If the cable gets enough dirt inside of it, it will jam after it dries and it is very difficult to clean inside of sheathing. Yet, it is possible by soaking it in water, working it back and forth (repeated), drying it and lubricating it with a non-greasy penetrant like silicone lube, etc.

It would be easier to just get a clean replacement cable, possibly from a wrecking yard (salvage) or a new one.

Warnings

• Make sure that the end of the exhaust pipe is not obstructed in any way, and that the exhaust gases from it can not become trapped under the vehicle.

Minimize time spent inside the car while running. With the spaces under the vehicle blocked off, any exhaust leaks in the engine compartment or along the exhaust system can more easily work their way into the cabin -- potentially causing carbon-monoxide poisoning. Before entering the car, after it has been running at a standstill for several minutes, make sure the cabin is ventilated to remove any build-up of exhaust fumes. Carbon-monoxide is colorless and odorless, and inhaling it can be fatal.

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