Do I Need to Engage the Handbrake When Shifting to Neutral at a Red Light?
1 Answers
When shifting to neutral (N) at a red light, it is not necessary to engage the handbrake. With the car in neutral, the power output is cut off, making it safe to use the handbrake. If the car is not in neutral, simply pressing the brake pedal is sufficient, as the engine will keep running with the friction plates on the engine side maintaining idle. Additional details: The handbrake, technically known as the auxiliary brake, operates differently from the main braking system. It uses a steel cable connected to the rear brake shoes to apply braking force. Frequent use of the handbrake can cause the steel cable to undergo plastic deformation, which is irreversible and may reduce its effectiveness over time, increasing the handbrake's travel distance. Given its high usage frequency, it is important to use the handbrake correctly and appropriately.