Parking Brake In Winter

[robc638]

According to the 2008 Mazda 3 Owner's Manual, page 4-9 (Driving Tips, Winter Driving), it says:

"Don't use the parking brake in freezing weather as the parking brake may freeze. Instead, shift to P with an automatic transaxle and to 1 or R with a manual transaxle. Block the rear wheels."

Although this sounded strange when I read it, I have not used the parking brake during the winter months.

Last weekend I was talking with a friend (a Class 1 transmission, suspension, and engine mechanic) and mentioned this paragraph from the manual. He found it very strange that a manufacturer would put such an instruction since it is important to fully immobilize a vehicle when parked, or in an emergency, to have an alternate braking system (hence the term "e-brake / parking brake").

My question(s):

What is wrong with the braking system for Mazda to write such a clause into the Owner's Manual?
Is there a repair, TSB, SB, or modification to prevent the brakes from freezing?
Is there a different brake unit that will alleviate this problem?


My Mazda is a 2008 M3 with Manual Transaxle.

Thank you for your input.

[geobur]

hmm, I use my parking brake in the winter, never even noticed this paragraph.

[Mr Wilson]

Same here, use it all the time.

[Squisher]

You haven't lived until you've had a parking brake cable freeze while in the applied position. This hasn't happened on my brand new 3 but I've had it happen on older vehicles before.

If it happens and you can make it to a car wash, spray your rears with warm(usually soap) water, it'll probably release.

[Raxor]

Should 2010+ 3 owners be worried about it freezing? I've never heard any cases of this ever happening even outside of mazda.

[Squisher]

I wouldn't sweat it none on a newer car, Espescially if the brake is regularly used.

Haven't ever heard of it happening and you're canadian? Google frozen parking brake.

[Jsquared]

My cable froze and broke on my 2010 MS3 after leaving the car outside overnight up north when we hit a low of -30 something.

[Aitch]

It happens, but not too much on a newer car. I use mine all the time through the winter, 2012 auto.

[Flagrum_3]

My question(s):

What is wrong with the braking system for Mazda to write such a clause into the Owner's Manual?
Is there a repair, TSB, SB, or modification to prevent the brakes from freezing?
Is there a different brake unit that will alleviate this problem?


My Mazda is a 2008 M3 with Manual Transaxle.

Thank you for your input.

Nothing inherently wrong, but I suspect it has to do with the fact the cable runs thru tubes. Snow, water, slush could get into these tubes if driving in inclement conditions and freeze while sitting overnight or sooner.

One remedy is to grease the cables as much as possible, especially near the points where the cable will run into the tubes.

I read that section in the manual originally, but I use my EB at all times necessary and have never had any issues in 9 winters. I was always under the impression, the lack of use of the EB will cause seizing, not the use of it. It also may be meant moreso for automatic owners as they tend to use the EB far less and so it would be more prone to seizing.

_3

[mazdasport]

According to the 2008 Mazda 3 Owner's Manual, page 4-9 (Driving Tips, Winter Driving), it says:


Last weekend I was talking with a friend (a Class 1 transmission, suspension, and engine mechanic) and mentioned this paragraph from the manual. He found it very strange that a manufacturer would put such an instruction since it is important to fully immobilize a vehicle when parked, or in an emergency, to have an alternate braking system (hence the term "e-brake / parking brake").



Thank you for your input.

Your friend the mechanic should know That chocking/blocking your wheels Is one of the only sure ways to immobilize a vehicle as brakes fail and cars pop out of gear any mine site I am on in northern Ontario once you exit your vehicle the first thing you must do it block your wheels to prevent anything from happening

[robc638]

Thank you for your replies.

I will lubricate the parking brake cables to prevent water and other junk from entering the sleeves and freeze. Which do you recommend: Low-temperature graphite grease / graphite spray or PTFE (Teflon) grease? Would lubricating the parking brake actuating pivot on the rear caliper be a good idea too?

[Flagrum_3]

Thank you for your replies.

I will lubricate the parking brake cables to prevent water and other junk from entering the sleeves and freeze. Which do you recommend: Low-temperature graphite grease / graphite spray or PTFE (Teflon) grease? Would lubricating the parking brake actuating pivot on the rear caliper be a good idea too?

I use white lithium grease. Lubricate the whole EB mechanism but use the grease sparingly...Any grease will do though.

_3

[SonicBoy]

This stuff (Sil Glyde) (http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/CatalogItemDetail.aspx/Lubricant-Multi-Purpose-Sil-Glyde-Lubricates-Prevents-Sticking-On-Rubber-Metal-Wood-Plastic/_/R-BK_7651351_0434860464) is pretty good and used on the slider pins and works great on the end of the parking brake cable.

Description:
Sil-Glyde® is a silicone-based brake lubricant recommended for the entire brake assembly, is compatible with plastic and rubber (EPDM & Nitrile), and dampens vibrations between contact points. It is a moisture-proof and heat resistant to over 425 degrees F (218 degrees C), which means it won't burn-off like other brake noise products. Its long-lasting properties provide a noise-free brake installation and easy disassembly. Using AGS brake lubricant is one of the keys to eliminating disc brake squeal and protecting parts from corrosion and rust.

If you're in the east end (Scarborough) you can find it here (http://www.kijiji.ca/v-other-auto-parts-and-accessories/city-of-toronto/ags-sil-glyde-brake-lubricant-8oz-227g/538912297?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true). I got mine from here (http://www.kijiji.ca/v-other-auto-parts-and-accessories/markham-york-region/ags-sil-glyde-brake-lubricant/444867013?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true#).