Handbrakes

PERFORMANCE AFTERMARKET HAND BRAKES FOR OPTIMAL CONTROL AND HANDLING

The handbrake (sometimes also referred to as the ‘parking brake’) is a crucial component of any car’s braking system. No matter whether you have an automatic gearbox or manual gearbox, whether you’re a Sunday driver or an accomplished motorsports racer, your hand brake is something that should never be overlooked.

Having a reliable handbrake is important for a number of reasons. Firstly, it provides extra stopping power when needed, which can be crucial when coming into a demanding turn or stopping on the track. Secondly, it can help to prevent the car from getting out of control if something goes wrong whilst you are driving. Overall, a good quality handbrake affords you a greater degree of control over your vehicle, which is important for both safety and racing performance.

Compbrake offers an unrivalled selection of aftermarket handbrakes for motorsports and racing applications, so you can be sure to find the perfect solution for your needs. If you are looking for a high quality replacement for an OEM handbrake – or wish to upgrade your handbrake setup, we are here for you!

We have many years’ experience in catering to everyone from racing enthusiasts, through to seasoned professionals and are committed to helping motorsports drivers at all levels achieve new personal bests.

No matter whether you are looking for a standalone handbrake or components such as master cylinders, race balance bars or feed pipes, you are sure to find exactly what you are looking for in our fully-stocked online store.

If you are interested in upgrading your handbrakes, get in touch with the Compbrake team on 01744 895 888 or by emailing sales@compbrake.com. We will be happy to help you find the perfect handbrake solution for your needs. We offer worldwide delivery and free shipping for all UK mainland orders of £900 or more. See our Shipping Information page for more details. 

EMERGENCY BRAKES FOR EVERY MOTORSPORT REQUIREMENT

Motorsports and racing drivers frequently rely on their handbrake systems for executing perfect drifts and lightning-fast turns. This calls for an emergency brake that is a little stronger and more responsive than your standard model. Many modern cars have capable handbrake systems, but these are often not quite cut out for the rigours of the racetrack.

Here at Compbrake, we offer a complete selection of aftermarket handbrake solutions, including our Horizontal, Premier, Premier-pro and Sportline ranges for those in need of a little more power. These powerful units are designed to match (and in some cases, outperform) their OEM equivalents and are available at competitive prices. 

Many classic and modern cars can benefit from the performance that these proven products provide.

Each of these ranges and the products within them have been especially developed to help motorsports devotees get the most out of their cars for each and every turn. We are confident that our products can help you accomplish more on the track. Compbrake is the motorsports supplier of choice for countless motorsports and racing drivers around the world, from enthusiasts to sponsored professionals.

Take a moment to explore the latest handbrake products in our range and you’re sure to find something that suits your requirements. If you have any questions about your order or any of the products in our range, get in touch with our experts on 01744 895888. You can also reach us by emailing sales@compbrake.com with any sales queries – or technical@compbrake.com with any technical questions.

WHY UPGRADE YOUR OEM HAND BRAKES?

Some of the reasons why motorsports drivers and racing enthusiasts may consider upgrading their hand brakes include:

Greater Responsiveness – You may want a lighter and more responsive handbrake, or a hand brake that is easier to modulate.

To Improve Braking Performance – Upgrading your hand brakes can provide increased stopping power, which can be beneficial for both track and street driving.

To Improve Pedal Feel – Many drivers prefer the firmer pedal feel that upgraded handbrakes can provide. This can make it easier to modulate braking pressure and can give the driver greater confidence when braking. To reduce weight, some hand brakes are significantly lighter than the factory units, which can reduce unsprung weight and improve handling.

To Ensure Safety – Hand brakes are important to a vehicle’s safety because they provide a way to stop the vehicle in an emergency situation. If the hand brake is not used properly, the vehicle could potentially roll away and cause an accident.

Installing a new aftermarket handbrake from Compbrake can significantly improve your car’s safety and performance. To find out more, why not get in touch with our handbrake experts? We will be happy to advise you on the best solution for your specific requirements.

When Should You Upgrade Your Parking Brake?

A damaged or failing parking brake can compromise your vehicle’s safety and may also cause damage to the car itself. Over time, your OEM parking brake can become less effective, due to the fact that the brake pads wear down and the cables stretch. This is why it is important that you are aware of the signs that your parking brake is failing – and when it needs to be replaced.

Here are a few of the signs you should always be looking out for:

• The parking brake no longer feels as tight.
• It takes longer to engage.
• The car rolls forward when the parking brake is engaged.
• Squealing or grinding noises are audible whilst engaging the parking brake.
• The car struggles with a hill start.

Need to source a new aftermarket handbrake for your car? We can help. Get in touch with our trusted automotive experts for more information. 

Handbrake Testing for MOTs

As part of Stage 3 of your MOT test, the mechanics will assess your car’s braking system. Any of the following findings will result in your vehicle failing its MOT test:

• Handbrake efficiency recorded at below 16%
• Low braking effort record from the brake on any of the wheels. This indicates that the brake is not working properly.
• The service brake efficiency is below 50% – or below 58% for vehicles first used on or after January 1st 2012.
• Brakes grabbing or juddering after the foot brake is applied.
• The service brakes on any axle have an imbalance of more than 30% at maximum effort.
• The service braking efforts of the road wheels do not increase at roughly the same rate when the service pedal is gradually applied.

If there is an issue with your OEM handbrake, having it replaced outright with a newer aftermarket model can be the best course of action. If you have any questions concerning your handbrake, please do not hesitate to contact our experts. 

How to Clean Your Handbrake

In order to prolong the life of your handbrake, whatever its age – and to ensure it continues to operate without issue, you should clean it periodically. Here is a quick explainer on how to correctly clean your handbrake.

To clean your handbrake, start by removing the brake pads from the calliper. Next, use a wire brush to clean any rust or debris from the calliper. Once the calliper is clean, reattach the brake pads and then bleed the brakes. Finally, test the handbrake in order to make sure it is working properly.

With regular cleaning and testing, you should be able to ensure that your handbrake provides you with many years of trouble-free operation.

Considering a New Aftermarket Hand Brake? Call Our Experts Today!

We are confident that you won’t find such high quality motorsports components at the same affordable prices anywhere else! We hope that you found this information helpful and now have a clear idea on which hand brake would best suit your individual needs. Take a look at our collection of hydraulic handbrakes now!

In addition to handbrake components, we also stock a wide range of brake kits, pads calipers and accessories. Here at Compbrake, we’re proud to offer our customers a ‘one-stop shop’ for quality car components. Why not bookmark our site to make finding the best deals around even easier?

Remember, if you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact our experts on 01744 895 888.