How to Use Service Brake When Parking a Motor Vehicle on a Downhill Section?
2 Answers
When parking a motor vehicle on a downhill road, the service brake should be applied earlier than on a level road. When driving downhill, the vehicle speed gradually increases due to gravity, resulting in a longer braking distance compared to a level road. Therefore, braking should be initiated earlier. Here is some relevant information: 1. Regarding uphill sections: Braking when parking on an uphill section should be delayed compared to a level road. This is because the vehicle speed naturally decreases due to gradient resistance when driving uphill, leading to a shorter braking distance. Thus, braking should be delayed compared to a level road. 2. Regular driving: During normal driving, the service brake (foot brake) is typically used to slow down and stop while moving forward. Once the vehicle comes to a complete stop, the parking brake (handbrake) should be engaged to prevent the vehicle from rolling forward or backward.
When parking on a downhill slope, using the service brake requires careful operation. I always press the foot brake first, steadily bringing the car to a complete stop without rushing. Then, I engage the handbrake firmly—this is particularly crucial because with the front of the car pointing downhill, gravity will push the vehicle forward. Next, I gradually release the foot brake and gently check if the car remains stationary. If I'm driving a manual transmission car, I also shift into a lower gear for extra security; for automatic transmissions, I make sure to select the P (Park) position. Important tip: Don't rely solely on the foot brake—many people cut corners by using only the foot brake, resulting in the car rolling downhill. I've seen accidents where drivers parked by only pressing the foot brake, forgot to engage the handbrake, and then the car suddenly slid and hit a guardrail. Therefore, make it a habit to check the surroundings in the rearview mirror for safety before engaging the handbrake. During regular maintenance, don't forget to test the handbrake's tension to prevent failure due to wear and tear. Safety first, especially on rainy or snowy slopes.
