How Many Notches Should the Handbrake Be Pulled Up?
4 Answers
The handbrake should generally be pulled up between five to seven notches for normal operation. Below are the methods and precautions for pulling the handbrake: Method for Pulling the Handbrake: The correct way to pull the handbrake is to press the small button with the pad of your thumb and then pull the handbrake gently. You should hear a clear sound as you pull, and it should be pulled up to about 70% of its total range, which is the optimal working point for the handbrake. Precautions: Do not use the handbrake as a substitute for the foot brake. Many novice drivers, in an attempt to avoid confusing the brake with the accelerator, may instinctively think of using the handbrake instead of the foot brake. However, this method is particularly dangerous. If the handbrake is pulled while the vehicle is in motion, it can easily snap the handbrake cable, leading to unpredictable accidents.
With my extensive driving experience, I often get asked how many clicks are appropriate when pulling the handbrake. Generally, hearing 4 to 6 clicks is about right, depending on the parking slope and vehicle type. For instance, when parking a sedan on level ground, I pull it to around 4 clicks until I feel resistance and the car stays put. But when parking an SUV on a steep slope, I'll pull it further to 6-8 clicks to ensure it's securely fixed and won't roll. The key is to pull until you feel the wheels are locked—too loose and the car might slide, too tight and you risk damaging the handbrake cable or causing it to jam. When my car was new, I always tested it by pushing the car afterward to ensure no movement before walking away. Remember, all vehicle manuals recommend pulling until you feel significant resistance without specifying exact click counts, as each car's design varies.
As someone who has been driving for many years, I place great emphasis on safety, and improper handbrake usage can be truly dangerous. Generally, you should hear about 5 clicks when pulling it, but this isn't absolute. On flat ground, I might only need to pull it 4 notches, but when parking on a slope, I always pull it up to 8 notches just to be safe. The key is to pull until you feel enough resistance and the car stays firmly in place. Never pull too little, as the car could roll and cause injury or damage, but pulling too much can also accelerate wear on the components. I think it's best to test-push the car after turning off the engine to confirm it doesn't move before leaving. For a new car, you can check the manual for recommended settings; for an older car, you need to be even more careful with your checks.
In my experience, the number of clicks for the handbrake varies by vehicle with no universal standard. Compact cars may lock after 3-5 clicks, while trucks or SUVs often require 6-10 clicks. I typically stop at the audible click sound, usually around 5 clicks as a common point. On slopes, I pull 2 extra clicks for peace of mind. The key is to test by pushing the vehicle – if it doesn't move, you've got it right. Too loose risks rolling, too tight may prevent release. Regular handbrake function checks are advised, with prompt repairs if issues arise.
