Do I need to press the button on the handle when pulling up the handbrake?
3 Answers
When pulling up the handbrake, there is no need to press the button. However, when releasing the handbrake, you should slightly lift the handbrake and press the front button to release it. Introduction to the handbrake: The professional term for the handbrake is auxiliary brake. Unlike the principle of the main brake, 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 its effectiveness and increase the handbrake's travel distance. Components of the handbrake: It consists of a brake lever, cable, brake mechanism, and return spring, acting on the drive shaft or rear wheel brakes to achieve vehicle stability.
When I was learning to drive, my instructor particularly emphasized that pulling the mechanical handbrake requires pressing the button, which acts like a release mechanism. The process of pressing the button while pulling up actually disengages the ratchet locking mechanism, allowing the handbrake cable to tighten smoothly. When parking on a slope, I make it a habit to first press the foot brake, hold the button and pull the handbrake to a secure position, then release the foot brake to let the car settle slightly, and finally pull the handbrake two more notches to confirm the tension. This routine helps prevent the risk of rolling. Forcing the handbrake without pressing the button can severely damage the gears—I've seen seized handbrakes caused by long-term rough handling. Following proper procedures every time you park not only extends the handbrake's lifespan but also ensures greater safety and reliability.
My old van has been using a handbrake for ten years, and this mechanical structure is actually quite ingenious. Pressing the button while pulling it up is a necessary operation, equivalent to temporarily separating the ratchet and latch. Especially in winter when the car is cold, the metal parts are stiff, so a gentle operation is even more crucial. I have a rule of thumb for the pulling force: on normal roads, pulling to 70% of the travel is enough to stop the car, while steep slopes require pulling all the way to the top. The worst is when people don’t press the button and yank it forcefully—the sound of gears slipping is particularly grating. Last month, while helping a neighbor check a strange noise from the handbrake, I found it was caused by the button not being pressed all the way, leading to semi-engagement wear. Developing the muscle memory to press first and then pull saves a lot more money than repairs.
