Difference between Parking Brake and Service Brake

[VonSimon]

Stoppers are brakes, while the parking brake should actually be called the parking brake system. This device is the handbrake system, which is not used to slow down the vehicle during driving but to keep the vehicle stationary after parking. The brake system is used to slow down the vehicle while driving. The brake system is a very important system in a car, as it relates to the driving stability and safety of the vehicle. The following are the functions of the brake system: Service Brake: During driving, the service brake (foot brake) is generally used to slow down the car or stop it in the shortest distance; it also helps maintain a stable speed when driving downhill. Parking Brake: The parking brake is not only used to keep the car stationary but can also be used when the service brake fails. Once the car is parked, the parking brake (handbrake) should be applied to prevent the vehicle from sliding forward or rolling backward.

[KaydenMarie]

Having driven for over a decade on both city roads and mountain passes, I can clearly distinguish between the parking brake and the main brake system. The parking brake is the handbrake you pull or the electronic button you press when parking—it's specifically designed to secure the vehicle and prevent rollback, such as on slopes where engaging it locks the rear wheels in place. The main brake, operated by foot pedal, is what you rely on for deceleration or stopping while driving; pressing it activates the hydraulic system to clamp the brake discs and halt wheel rotation. The key differences lie in usage timing and design: the parking brake employs mechanical cables or electronic control, offering modest but sustained force, whereas the main brake is hydraulically powered for swift response yet only functions during motion. Crucial to remember—misuse can be costly: engaging the parking brake while driving risks damaging the discs, while forgetting to set it when parked may lead to unintended vehicle movement. Maintenance-wise, parking brake cables are prone to rust and require lubrication, whereas main brake pads wear faster—regular inspections prevent mishaps. Safety first—these systems complement but never substitute each other.

[EvanLynn]

From a mechanical perspective, parking brakes and primary braking systems operate quite differently. As an automotive enthusiast who enjoys disassembling components, I've observed that parking brakes typically employ either cable-actuated mechanisms or direct electronic motor engagement on the rear wheels - simple yet reliable. Primary brakes, however, function through hydraulic pressure transmitted from the brake pedal to calipers, which clamp rotors to decelerate wheels. The distinctions are clear: primary brakes feature booster assistance for rapid response during driving, while parking brakes rely on purely mechanical or electronic locking mechanisms designed for prolonged immobilization. This complementary design philosophy ensures system redundancy: hydraulic brakes offer high efficiency but require fluid maintenance and ABS component care, whereas cable-operated parking brakes are cost-effective yet prone to seizing and corrosion, necessitating periodic inspection. In practical application, drivers should engage the parking brake after using primary brakes to prevent rollback on inclines. Maintenance approaches also differ significantly - one system being complex, the other comparatively simple.

[Gloria]

In terms of safety, the distinction between the parking brake and the main brake is crucial. The parking brake is only used when parking to prevent rollaway accidents; the main brake is the primary braking force during driving, handling emergency stops. If the main brake fails, the parking brake can serve as an emergency measure but with limited effectiveness, so it's essential to understand their respective roles. Develop the habit: engage the parking brake when parked for safety, and rely solely on the foot brake while driving. Regular inspections can prevent accidents.