Do You Need the Electronic Handbrake When in Neutral at a Red Light?
2 Answers
When stopping at a red light in neutral (N) gear, you must engage the handbrake. Below is an introduction related to automatic transmission cars: 1. Neutral Gear and Braking: When the car is in N gear, it directly cuts off power output. Engaging the handbrake is safer, as it prevents the car from rolling backward or other situations. If you are not in N gear, simply pressing the brake pedal is sufficient. In this case, the engine is still running, and the friction plate on the engine side will remain idling. 2. Introduction to the Handbrake: The professional term for the handbrake is the auxiliary brake. Unlike the main braking system, it uses a steel cable connected to the rear brake shoes to apply braking force. Prolonged use of the handbrake can cause the steel cable to undergo plastic deformation. Since this deformation is irreversible, long-term use will reduce its effectiveness, and the handbrake's travel distance will also increase.
When driving, I always pay attention to safety details. While waiting at a red light in neutral gear, I usually engage the electronic parking brake. Even if the car is in neutral, there's a risk of the vehicle rolling forward or backward due to road slopes or accidental foot slips, which could lead to minor accidents. Although some drivers think it's unnecessary for short red lights, I recommend that beginners develop this habit, especially in urban driving where unexpected situations are common. Operating the electronic parking brake is super easy—just press a button to lock it, and it won't affect your start-up time. Moreover, it reduces stress on the braking system, and long-term use actually protects the car. If your car has an auto-hold function, it's even better—it automatically brakes when you stop, making it much more convenient. In short, safety comes first. Taking an extra second to operate the parking brake is always better than dealing with problems later.
