To all those asking about the people advise the handbrake to be off when in storage.
I would imagine its because the cable that operates the brake will be under constant tension for weeks possibly months at a time. This will stretch the cable a little bit, and the next time you come to operate the handbrake, it wont quite work as well because the cable is longer than it should be.
We always leave the handbrake on. The manufacturers designed it for this purpose, so it is unlikely to be subject to strain. These handbrakes are preset, and the cables are designed to carry the loads exerted on them when set to the ON position. They absorb much higher loads when braking during towing.
Bertie.
With any brakes left on for a considerable time there is a possibility that when the brake is released the linings will stick to the drum and be very difficult to release. It has never happened to me, but my service engineer last January told me that there were signs that it was starting to stick and would I leave my van chocked with the handbrake off.
------------- Bill
For a licence dated 1997 or later you must add together the plated max weight of the caravan and trailer, if the total is 3500 or less you can tow it. You may even tow a caravan with a MAM greater than the cars unladen mass the restriction was removed in 2013
It sometimes happens with my car when I leave it for a long period outside in the rain. I have drums on the back of my Micra and the brake shoes get stuck to the drums and there is quite a bang as they release when driving away. It doesn't seem to do them any harm but it can't be doing them much good either.
Sometimes they only partly release and rub, causing overheating which if not noticed melts the grease in the bearings leading to a seized up wheel.
------------- Bill
For a licence dated 1997 or later you must add together the plated max weight of the caravan and trailer, if the total is 3500 or less you can tow it. You may even tow a caravan with a MAM greater than the cars unladen mass the restriction was removed in 2013
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Up or down????
