Paying attention to warning signs in your MINI is essential to ensuring that any minor issue you are being warned about does not become major. One common warning sign that is easy to ignore is one showing an electric parking brake malfunction especially when the brakes seem to work just fine.
While the electric parking brake is an advanced invention to make parking easy, it could also be a cause for concern when it gets faulty. We have provided a guide to help you identify early warning signs and fix the issue before it causes serious problems.
How Does the Electric Parking Brake Work?
Unlike the traditional parking brake system, the electric parking brake (EPB) has a simpler mechanism, occupies less space and is easier to use. The EPB is an essential, advanced feature that helps to keep your MINI stationary when required.
It is controlled by an electrical system and all you have to do is push on a button and you can keep your car secured in a parked position. However, like every other system, the EPB can run into some problems that can affect its car-holding abilities. This puts the occupants in the car, as well as the car at a safety risk.
The common causes of EPB problems in a vehicle include poor maintenance, faulty wiring and electrical connections, and worn-out parts from continuous usage. Hence, the following problems may arise with the EPB system.
- Electrical Errors: As the name clearly shows, the electric parking brake relies on the electrical system to perform its functions. However, one of the common problems with the EPB is an electrical system malfunction like loose connections or faulty wiring. When this happens, it may be difficult to engage or disengage the parking brake.
- Sensor Issues: There are various sensors all around your car for easy information delivery to the control unit. However, sensor issues can arise due to a failure in the system. This leads to the communication of wrong information or no information at all. When this happens, the EPB cannot perform its duty as required.
- Mechanical Faults: This is another common problem with the electric parking brake and you will find out that the button does not work or is stuck in its position. These mechanical faults are commonly caused by a damage or a failure in the components that make up the electric parking brake. For example, the brake pad, actuator or rotors could run into problems, leading to mechanical issues in the EPB.
How to Handle Electric Parking Brake Problems in your MINI
If your MINI has an issue with its EPB, here are a few steps to take to fix it:
Inspect the car system
The first thing to do when you notice a sign of a problem with the EPB is to find out what the problem is and try to fix it. You can start by inspecting the braking system for any sign of fault. Confirm that the electric connections are right and check for faulty wires. You should also look for physical signs of damage such as a broken part and ensure you repair them as soon as possible.
Clean the braking mechanism
In most cases, the EPB may fail to work when its components are not in good shape. For example, the braking mechanism may get stuck in one position due to the accumulation of dirt and debris, hence, it is necessary to clean the EPB area to remove dust or dirt. You can also lubricate the moving parts of the EPB to remove friction and allow smooth function of the mechanism.
Where to Go in Escondido for an Electric Parking brake Repair
The final step necessary in dealing with a malfunctioning electric parking brake is to visit a garage. A professional mechanic can easily understand the issue with your MINI’s braking system with a simple inspection and can also provide recommendations on how to handle the issue.
Escondido German Auto is the pride of Escondido as we are committed to providing the best auto services for popular German brands with any type of issue. We are a full-service center and we can fix any issue and provide the best care services for your car. We are open to serving car owners in and around Escondido, Rancho Bernardo, and Valley Center, CA. Give us a call today and let’s help to return safety to your MINI.