Using a parking brake might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s surprising how many people either don’t use it correctly or don’t use it at all. The parking brake is a critical safety feature that keeps your car from rolling away when parked on an incline or decline. It’s also useful when you need to keep your car stationary. In this article, we’ll go over the basics of how to use a parking brake so that you can keep your car safe and secure.
What is a Parking Brake?
A parking brake, also known as an emergency brake or handbrake, is a mechanism that locks the rear wheels of your car in place. It’s a secondary braking system that is independent of the regular brakes and can be used in case of an emergency. The parking brake is typically activated by pulling a lever or pressing a button located near the gear shift or on the center console. When the parking brake is engaged, it engages the rear brakes, preventing the car from moving.
Why is it Important to Use a Parking Brake?
Using a parking brake is important for several reasons. Firstly, it prevents your car from rolling away when parked on a hill. If you only rely on the transmission to keep your car stationary, it could fail, causing your car to roll down the hill and potentially causing an accident. Secondly, using a parking brake can extend the life of your regular brakes. When you park your car without using the parking brake, the weight of the car puts pressure on the transmission, which can cause premature wear and tear on the transmission and the brakes. Lastly, using a parking brake can prevent theft. If a thief tries to steal your car, they won’t be able to move it if the parking brake is engaged.
How to Use a Parking Brake
Step 1: Find the Parking Brake Lever/Button
The first step in using a parking brake is to locate the lever or button that activates it. In most cars, the parking brake lever is located on the center console, between the front seats. In some cars, it may be located on the dashboard or near the foot pedals. In newer cars, the parking brake may be activated by pressing a button instead of pulling a lever. Consult your car’s owner manual if you’re not sure where the parking brake lever or button is located.
Step 2: Engage the Parking Brake
To engage the parking brake, pull up on the lever or press the button. You should feel some resistance as you do this, as the parking brake engages the rear brakes. If you’re pulling up on a lever, pull it all the way up until it clicks into place. If you’re pressing a button, make sure it’s fully depressed. Once the parking brake is engaged, you should see a warning light on your dashboard indicating that it’s on.
Step 3: Release the Parking Brake
To release the parking brake, push in the button or pull down on the lever. You should feel the tension release as the parking brake disengages. Make sure you release the parking brake before driving your car, as driving with the parking brake engaged can damage your car and cause the brakes to overheat.
Tips for Using a Parking Brake
Tip 1: Always Use the Parking Brake When Parking on an Incline or Decline
When parking on a hill, it’s important to always engage the parking brake. Even if you’re only going to be parked for a short amount of time, using the parking brake can prevent your car from rolling away and causing an accident.
Tip 2: Use the Parking Brake When Parking on a Flat Surface
Using the parking brake when parking on a flat surface can help prolong the life of your regular brakes. When you park your car without using the parking brake, the weight of the car puts pressure on the transmission, which can cause premature wear and tear on the transmission and the brakes.
Tip 3: Don’t Drive with the Parking Brake Engaged
Driving with the parking brake engaged can damage your car and cause the brakes to overheat. Always make sure you release the parking brake before driving your car.
Conclusion
Using a parking brake is an essential part of car safety. It’s important to always engage the parking brake when parking on an incline or decline, and to use it when parking on a flat surface to prolong the life of your regular brakes. Remember to always release the parking brake before driving your car, and consult your car’s owner manual if you’re not sure how to engage or disengage the parking brake.
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