What's up with this Polo's handbrake?

Asking for a parent: they have a new 191 VW Polo and the car is still moving when just the handbrake is on (a traditional manual handbrake, not an electronic one);, is this something that is a known issue with new Volkswagen Polos? Cure from manufacturer garage is a nut to prevent it from slipping?!

Simon Mac Mahon (Dublin)

Mar 2019 Filed under: brakes

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Expert answer

Hi Simon,

We don't know of any common issue with these, but to be honest it sounds like the issue is one of two things.

1 - The handbrake lever is not being pulled up enough (I doubt that is the case, but you never know!)

2 - The handbrake cable needs to be adjusted. As this is a new car, then the garage that sold it really should sort it out for no fee. If it's out of adjustment under the car near the lever then they may need to check the mechanism within the rear hubs to see if something has gone wrong with the adjusters. 

Hope you get it sorted out.

Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Advisor
@Shane_O_D