Do car handbrakes act on the front or rear wheels?
2 Answers
Car handbrakes always act on the rear wheels. Here's an introduction to handbrakes: Introduction: The professional term for handbrake is auxiliary brake. Unlike the main braking system, it uses a steel cable connected to the rear brake shoes to brake the vehicle. Long-term use of the handbrake can cause plastic deformation of the steel cable. Since this deformation is irreversible, prolonged use will reduce effectiveness and increase the handbrake's travel distance. The handbrake system also includes a return spring - when pulling the handbrake, the spring stretches; when releasing, it returns to its original length. With long-term use, this spring may also deform. Principle: For small vehicles, some handbrakes are located behind the transmission, connected to the driveshaft where there's a brake disc similar to disc brakes. The pulling force is transmitted there through the cable to achieve parking braking.
When I first started learning to drive, my instructor emphasized that the handbrake is for the rear wheels because it's connected to the rear brake cables, directly locking the rear wheels to prevent the car from rolling downhill. I remember once forgetting to pull the handbrake when parking in the mountains, and the car slid back a bit—it was a close call, so I've been extra careful ever since. When driving normally, you must use the handbrake on slopes, as relying solely on the footbrake might not be stable enough. Additionally, it's advisable to check the handbrake cables every few months for wear or looseness to avoid failure in critical moments. Regularly using the handbrake when parking on flat ground also helps protect the brake pads by reducing wear—developing this habit is important. In short, the rear-wheel handbrake design ensures safety and stability, and with practice, beginners can master the technique.
