How to Use Brakes When Parking on a Downhill Slope?
3 Answers
When parking a motor vehicle on a downhill slope, braking should be applied earlier than on a flat road. Below is a related introduction to automotive braking: 1. Definition: The automotive braking system refers to the specialized braking mechanism installed in vehicles to technically ensure safe driving and improve the average speed of the car. 2. Classification: Generally, the automotive braking system includes two independent sets of devices: the service braking device and the parking braking device. The service braking device is operated by the driver using their foot, hence it is also known as the foot brake. The parking braking device is operated by the driver using their hand, hence it is also known as the hand brake. 3. Brake: In the automotive braking system, the brake is the component used to generate the force that stops or tends to stop the vehicle's movement. All brakes used in automobiles are friction brakes, meaning the braking torque that stops the vehicle's movement comes from the friction between fixed elements and rotating working surfaces.
I used to drive frequently in mountainous areas, and stopping on downhill slopes requires proper technique. First, reduce your speed to below 10 km/h, gently applying the brakes to slow down but not stomping on them. Once you find your parking spot, firmly press the brake pedal and hold it, while immediately pulling up the handbrake. Don’t release the foot brake right away—wait until the handbrake is fully engaged before slowly lifting your foot. If you’re driving a manual transmission car, remember to shift into reverse gear to increase resistance; for an automatic, shift into P (Park). Once, I forgot to engage the handbrake, and the car rolled back half a meter—luckily, there was no car behind me. Finally, remember to turn the steering wheel slightly toward the curb so that if the car does roll, the tires will catch on the curb. These details are crucial, especially since downhill momentum is strong.
I think the most crucial thing when parking on a downhill is to prevent the car from rolling. When slowing down, use intermittent braking—lightly pressing the brake a few times instead of holding it continuously—to avoid overheating the brake pads. When parking, coordinate both feet well: press the clutch with your left foot and the brake with your right foot. After pulling the handbrake, don’t release the foot brake immediately; feel if the car wobbles slightly to ensure it’s stable before shifting gears. For automatic transmissions, simply shift to P (Park). For manual transmissions, it’s advisable to leave it in first gear, or in reverse gear if the slope is particularly steep for added safety. It’s best not to keep the wheels straight; turn them slightly at a 45-degree angle to increase resistance. Once, I tried this on a steep slope, and wedging the wheels against the curb really worked.
