What is this?
Getting your parking brake inspected has two purposes. One is to make sure the parking brake works. The other is to see that it “unworks,” which means it releases properly when it’s supposed to.

Should I do this service when it’s recommended?
Yes.

Why do I have to do this?
Over time, the working parts will wear out, break or corrode, and then your parking brake either can fail to engage or disengage. Alternatively, the parts can rust and then seize in place, which causes the brake to stay permanently in one position — either “on,” “off” or “partially on.”

What happens if I don’t do this?
Again, there are two possibilities. One is that your parking brake can fail to work, and you’ll be unable to leave your car parked safely on a hill. (Worst case scenario: You leave your car, thinking the parking brake is engaged, and you come back to find that your car has rolled into “Knuckles” Capicola’s Sedan DeVille — and is he ticked off!)

The other possibility occurs if your parking brake sticks in the “on” position, and you unintentionally drive off with the parking brake on — the hydraulic fluid in your brake system will overheat, and you’ll lose all of your brakes while you’re driving.

Can I do this myself?
It depends on where you rank on the Car Talk do-it-yourself scale:

___ There are two kinds of screwdrivers?

___ I’ve successfully hung pictures around the house.

___ I’ve changed my own oil.

_X_ I’ve fixed things on my car that involve removing more than five bolts.

___ I’ve built a working nuclear reactor out of wood.

Is there any maintenance required between intervals?
No.

Car Talk Tip: Be sure to use your parking brake regularly between service intervals. If you don’t, the parking brake is more likely to rust and stop functioning properly.