How to Operate the Electronic Parking Brake in a Car?

[VanArya]

Press the brake pedal to bring the vehicle to a complete stop, then pull the electronic parking brake button upward to engage the electronic parking brake. Press the brake pedal to bring the vehicle to a complete stop, then push the electronic parking brake button downward to release the electronic parking brake.

[DelJulian]

I find the electronic parking brake in my car quite convenient to use. When parking, just step on the brake pedal and gently pull the button with the P letter to engage the handbrake, and a small red light will illuminate on the dashboard. When starting off, there's no need to manually release the brake - just fasten the seatbelt and step on the accelerator, and it will automatically disengage. You don't have to worry about rolling back on hill starts either, as the system helps maintain braking for two seconds. However, I must remind you never to suddenly press the parking brake while the vehicle is moving, as that can damage the brake pads. If the battery is dead or the car needs towing, remember to first deactivate the parking mode as instructed in the manual, otherwise the wheels may lock. Since using the electronic parking brake, I've never had to deal with the annoying screeching sound of traditional mechanical handbrakes again.

[AriannaRose]

Back in the day, pulling the handbrake on a manual transmission was quite a hassle. Nowadays, electronic parking brakes are a significant improvement. My parking routine is just three steps: brake to a complete stop, shift to P, flick the parking brake button with a finger, and finally turn off the engine and leave. During rainy slippery roads, I've used the emergency braking function by holding down the electronic parking brake while moving, and the system smoothly decelerates to a stop. At automatic car washes, it's crucial to remember to turn off the auto hold function to avoid sudden brake lock-up, which can be quite startling. Oh, and when lending the car to others, I always make sure they understand how to operate the electronic parking brake, as some people used to mechanical handbrakes might yank the button too hard.

[VanTessa]

Operating the electronic parking brake is most intuitive by watching the indicator lights. When engaged, a red P light illuminates on the dashboard - if it flashes with an exclamation mark, it means it's not fully engaged. The button in my car is located to the left of the gear lever, just a light tap with the finger is enough, no force needed. It's especially convenient in winter, unlike old-style handbrakes that could freeze and jam. However, a mechanic once told me not to rely too much on the auto-release function - occasionally releasing it manually by pressing the button helps exercise the motor. When parking on slopes, I always shift to N first, engage the electronic brake, release the foot brake, then shift to P - this way the entire parking mechanism isn't under strain.