Hand brake sticks on when lever is depressed

[Polo Driver]

The hand brake on my Polo has been sticking on a bit when the lever is depressed. It takes a little bit of a a nudge forward in 1st to get it unstuck.

It seems to happen mostly when the car has been sitting for a few days, I don't have it out every day. I've an idea that wet weather affects it a bit more.

Is that just to do with age or indicative of something up with the brakes?

[CarbonChaos]

Does the car in question have drum brakes on the rear? This could be an indication of leaking wheel cylinders and contaminated brake shoes sticking to the drums,or just time for a brake inspection

[Polo Driver]

Drum brakes on the rear, I'll mention that to the garage at the next MOT check up.

[TrebleTA]

If your not use to doing breaks your self, kwit fit or halfords do a free break inspection.
Should tell you any problems etc, local garages like VW will charge.

[spartacus68]

Drums are the devil’s work. If they are sticking, as mentioned, could be leaking brake cylinder. As they get higher mileage 100k+ then the drum lining is reduced through wear and tear. You can adjust all you like but easier just to replace the drum.

I’ve also witnessed pad material detaching from the shoes, and simply drops out on inspection. Any repeated sticking and loud bang as they free is tell tale. My advice, if road level allows is to park in gear with the handbrake off, especially during damp months. Get them checked out though.

[TrebleTA]

Not sure but on my polo if I double press on the break peddle the car will lock the rear breaks, like for hill starting. Break assist.

I hate drum breaks on my old mini copper, it was drum breaks all round and i would pop a break cylinder often and on breaking the car would slide, no real control.