Do You Need to Press the Brake for an Electronic Handbrake?

[SanChase]

You need to press the brake. Here are the relevant details: 1. Electronic Handbrake: The electronic handbrake is a technology that achieves parking braking through electronic control. Its working principle is the same as that of a mechanical handbrake, both of which rely on the friction generated between the brake disc and brake pads to control parking braking. The only difference is that the control method has changed from the traditional mechanical handbrake lever to an electronic button. 2. Working Principle: The electronic parking system operates on the same principle as the manual mechanical parking brake system, achieving parking through the friction clamping between the brake shoes and the brake drum or between the friction pads and the brake disc. However, the control method has been replaced by electronic buttons and motor actions instead of manual operation and mechanical linkage. Therefore, the full name of this system is the Electronically Controlled Mechanical Parking Brake System.

[LeTucker]

I've been driving my own car for several years, equipped with an electronic parking brake. Honestly, when activating the parking brake, you don't need to press the brake pedal—just press the button, and the car will stop steadily. However, to release it, you must press the brake pedal; otherwise, the car won't move. It's designed quite safely. Once, I forgot to press the brake on a slope, and the car locked directly, almost rolling back—a reminder for everyone to develop good habits. When driving a new model, check the manual, as different cars might have slight variations, such as needing extra stability in rain or snow. Electronic parking brakes are much more convenient than the old lever types and simpler to maintain—just regular checks to prevent minor issues from becoming major problems. Overall, it's hassle-free but don't slack off; pressing the brake to release is the basic rule.

[DakotaDella]

As someone who often helps friends with car repairs, the electronic parking brake is essentially an electronic control system: when activated by pressing a button, the brake pads clamp onto the wheels without requiring any additional operation; to release it, you need to step on the brake because it only unlocks upon receiving a braking signal, preventing the risk of rolling. This mechanism ensures reliable parking and responds faster than traditional mechanical handbrakes. When driving an unfamiliar car, try lightly stepping on the brake to see if the light comes on, confirming the signal is functioning properly. The design includes safeguards against accidental activation, such as requiring throttle input during steep hill starts. Personally, I appreciate this convenience but would remind car owners not to tamper with the circuitry to avoid sensor malfunctions. During maintenance, keeping it clean helps prolong its lifespan.

[OSadie]

Having driven for decades, electronic parking brakes are now truly widespread. Activating is as easy as pressing a button; releasing requires stepping on the brake pedal, otherwise the car feels stuck and won't move—safety first. Recalling the era of old cars, a loose handbrake lever could lead to rolling back on slopes, which the electronic version has solved. Using it frequently in city driving saves a lot of effort; however, beginners might forget to step on the brake, causing temporary immobilization—practice makes perfect. On different road surfaces, maintain a steady speed and don't rely on it to completely replace the foot brake. Maintenance advice is simple: just clean the components occasionally.