Does the Handbrake Control the Front or Rear Wheels?
2 Answers
Handbrake controls the rear wheels. The handbrake uses a steel cable connected to the rear brake shoes to control the braking of the rear wheels, primarily to prevent the vehicle from rolling when parked. The handbrake, also known as the parking brake, provides resistance to the car when parked to prevent it from rolling. The parking brake, whether it's a handbrake or the parking gear in an automatic transmission, locks the driveshaft or rear wheels. An electronic parking brake integrates the temporary braking during driving with the long-term braking function after parking, and achieves parking braking through electronic control. The electronic parking brake is a technology that realizes parking braking through electronic control. Its working principle is the same as that of a mechanical handbrake, both achieving parking braking through the friction generated between the brake disc and brake pads, except that the control method changes from the previous mechanical handbrake lever to an electronic button.
I often use the handbrake while driving, especially when parking on slopes, and I've noticed that it controls the rear wheels. This is because in most car designs, the handbrake primarily acts on the rear wheel braking system rather than the front wheels. The front wheels are responsible for steering and primary braking, and if the handbrake were also applied to the front wheels, it could lead to loss of steering control or vehicle imbalance in emergency situations. Once, on a steep slope, my car started to roll slightly, but I quickly pulled the handbrake tight, and it firmly held the rear wheels, preventing the car from sliding further. Remember, the handbrake is an auxiliary parking tool—don't use it while driving to avoid damaging the drivetrain. In winter, be extra cautious as the handbrake cable can sometimes freeze, making it difficult to release, so it's important to check beforehand. Overall, controlling the rear wheels with the handbrake is safer and more practical, and I recommend regular maintenance to extend its lifespan.
