Hey all, this winter has had some record lows for the time I've owned my Mini. I've noticed on the very very cold nights. If I use my handbrake just to be safe when parking, when I come out to my car, put the brake down, and start to drive the brake is still engaged. Usually after driving for just a minute or two it will go back to normal. I'm worried this will be wearing my breaks out, hurting my gas milage and straining my engine. What are your suggestions?

 

I'm thinking I may need to get some new parts, but was hoping maybe just a tune up or cleaning an existing one will fix the problem, anyone know anything about this?

 

When was your last brake flush

 

Just don't use your handbrake when ts freezing. Unless you are parking on a hill, it should not be necessary.

 

This is coming from Australia but we are told when parking in below freezing temps (ie when we go skiing) to leave the handbrake off when parking the car for exactly the above reason.

 

Cable(s) may be binding or freezing when it's freezing out.

 

Your cables are rusted and/or freezing. Replace both of them, clean and re-lube your rear calipers, and you should be fine.

 

Good to know! Any suggestions about hill parking? I'll get a brake flush soon, I've not done it since I owned the car.

 

Turn you wheels so the car is turning toward the curb....so if it rolls, the curb stops it...
the handbrake DOES NOT USE BRAKE FLUID....it uses cables...that is why helix said to lube/replace tha cables, lube the calipers....
Many stick cars do this...sticky e-brakes in cold weather...kinda of a universal issue on MANY makes/models...bus since so few sticks are getting sold, and folks just use P, with an auto, many have forgotten.

 

I never use the E brake for parking in cold wet freezing weather. It is only used for hand brake turns during the winter months.

I've had to replace one cable that was hanging up.

 

When you replace the cables (they are history) don't forget to lube up the rear calipers.
As for the new cables work LOTS of Castrol GRR into them before fitting. And I mean LOTS. It will keep the water out.