How to Engage and Disengage the Handbrake?
3 Answers
For a mechanical handbrake, pulling the handbrake lever upward engages it, while pushing it downward disengages it. For an electronic handbrake, pulling the handbrake button upward once engages it, and pressing the button downward once disengages it. The handbrake, also known as the parking brake, functions by providing resistance to the car when parked, preventing it from rolling. As a frequently used system, proper and correct usage ensures smoother operation in the future. This is especially important for the most common mechanical handbrakes, which must be used correctly to avoid engaging the handbrake before the car has completely stopped. Ensuring effective usage is crucial for safety and can also extend the adjustment cycle, reducing maintenance and replacement costs.
Reading this question reminds me of teaching my cousin to drive last time. That handbrake thing - when you pull it up, you'll clearly feel the lever clicking into place with a ratcheting sound, and the red P light with an exclamation mark on the dashboard will illuminate, which means it's engaged. If you push it all the way down to release, the lever will lie completely flat and the dashboard light will go off. With mechanical handbrakes, it's safest to pull up two extra clicks - don't slack off when parking on slopes. Once saw a rookie drive half a kilometer with the handbrake on, tires literally smoking, until an experienced driver nearby smelled it and honked like crazy to alert them.
Nowadays, cars with electronic parking brakes are so much more convenient. The switch is right next to the gear lever—a red light indicates it's engaged, and you'll feel the car settle slightly. To disengage, press the button while holding the brake pedal; the dashboard light will go off accompanied by an electronic beep. However, once when riding with a friend, he accidentally hit the switch at a red light, causing the car to lurch abruptly and startling the driver behind into honking. Remember, in winter after washing the car or post-rain starts, it's best to pump the brakes first to clear moisture before releasing the handbrake—otherwise, freezing could lead to an awkward situation.
