How to Use Electronic Parking Brake Correctly?
3 Answers
Using the electronic parking brake is relatively simple, typically achieved by pressing the electronic parking button inside the vehicle. After parking and turning off the engine, the driver can directly press the electronic parking button. The Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) integrates temporary braking during driving with long-term braking after parking, and employs electronic control to achieve parking braking. Below is an introduction to the electronic parking brake: 1. The working principle of the electronic parking brake is the same as that of a mechanical handbrake, both of which tighten the rear brake shoes via cables to achieve braking. Another type uses an electromechanical caliper, where the motor clamps the brake to control parking braking, extending the basic parking function to the automatic parking function AUTO-HOLD. 2. Currently, there are two types of electronic parking brake switches on the market: one is a standard button type, where pressing once activates the electronic parking brake, and pressing again deactivates it; the other is a toggle switch type, similar to a window control switch, where pushing up activates the parking brake function, and pushing down deactivates it.
When I first started driving, I didn’t understand the electronic parking brake either. Later, a technician at the 4S店 taught me: just press the P button while holding the brake when parking, and the red indicator on the dashboard will light up, meaning it’s engaged. Note that when parking on a slope, you should first shift to N, engage the handbrake, and then shift to P to protect the transmission. For automatic transmission models, stepping on the accelerator in D gear will automatically release it, while manual transmission drivers should remember to press the release button before starting. When waiting at a red light, pressing the brake firmly can trigger the AutoHold function, saving you from keeping your foot on the brake. Oh, and for long-term parking on a slope, it’s best to add a block under the wheels—just in case the electronic components fail, you’ll have a backup.
Once in the underground garage, my car rolled back on a slope because I didn't pull the handbrake tight enough, giving me a real scare. Now every time I park, I make sure of two things: press the foot brake before pushing the electronic handbrake button, and wait for the motor's 'click' sound to confirm it's locked. Automatic transmission drivers, take note—stepping on the gas in D gear automatically releases the brake, which is super convenient. For manual cars, remember to press the clutch when hitting the release button. After driving through water on rainy days, don't turn off the engine immediately—let the brake pads dry to prevent sticking. If you forget to release the handbrake and drive a few meters, the system alarm beeps like crazy, giving you a headache and wearing out the brake pads faster.
