How can we prevent the handbrake failing on my daughter's Suzuki Swift?

My daughter’s Suzuki Swift was recalled for a handbrake problem but was deemed OK. Recently, when parked at work, the car rolled back into a wall scuffing the bumper. The handbrake was completely inoperative although it had been perfect when parked and held the car for most of the day. The Suzuki agent said he would replace the cable and shoes for £280. But since her local garage would do the work for half that cost she decided to use them. Mysteriously, when she collected the car from the Suzuki agent the handbrake was perfect in spite of the agent alleging they had done no work on the car. My daughter and granddaughter are very concerned since they live in a hilly city, Sheffield, have lost all confidence in the handbrake and are worried about the danger to themselves and others. What would be her best course of action?

Asked on 28 January 2012 by JP, Hartford, Cheshire

Answered by Honest John
As the Highway Code suggests, park the car in first gear, with its steered wheels angled towards the kerb so that if the brake gives way the engine compression will probably hold the car and even if it doesn't the steered wheels angled towards the kerb will stop it running away.
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