How to Use the Foot-Operated Parking Brake?

[ArielLynn]

Foot-operated parking brakes and hand-operated parking brakes work on the same principle, achieving the parking brake function by tightening the brake shoes via steel cables. The foot brake simply replaces the hand lever with a pedal. The usage method for foot-operated parking brakes in automatic transmission vehicles is as follows: 1. Foot-operated parking brake: Operated by foot, commonly found in automatic transmission models. 2. Control method for foot-operated parking brake: Press the left foot pedal all the way down to engage; press harder with the left foot and then release to disengage the parking brake. Additional note: For Mercedes-Benz vehicles with foot-operated parking brakes, manual assistance is required to release it. There is a handle on the left side of the steering wheel; pull it by hand to release the foot-operated parking brake.

[CamillaLynn]

The foot-operated parking brake is what we commonly refer to as the foot brake, located to the left of the main driver's brake pedal. It's super convenient to use: after parking and shifting into P, press the pedal firmly with your left foot until you hear a click, indicating it's locked. To release it is even simpler—just press the brake with your right foot and lightly tap the foot brake pedal with your left foot, and it will pop back up automatically. Sisters driving automatics should note that the foot brake requires more force than traditional handbrakes, making it especially stable for parking on slopes. Here's a little tip: you don't need to engage it at red lights—only for prolonged parking. I always check if the red parking light on the dashboard is on before getting out of the car; developing this habit can prevent rollaway accidents.

[ElleDella]

Operating the foot parking brake is more effortless than using a handbrake. Press the metal pedal located at the front left of the driver's position with your left foot until it clicks into place, indicating the vehicle is locked. To release, first press the foot brake, then press this pedal again—it will automatically return to its original position. Beginners are advised to practice the unlocking motion several times; otherwise, it can be quite awkward when you realize you can't press the accelerator while starting the car. On rainy days or in winter, wet soles can easily slip, so it's best to operate it wearing flat shoes. Once, my friend didn't press firmly enough while parking on a slope, and the car rolled back half a meter. Now, every time after parking, he presses the pedal a couple more times with his toes to ensure it's securely locked.

[LeDawson]

The foot-operated parking brake is very simple to use: press the pedal to lock, and press it again to unlock. It's located at the lower left corner of the steering wheel and operated with the left foot. Three key reminders: First, you must release the foot brake before starting the car, otherwise it will result in weak acceleration and damage the transmission. Second, you need to press firmly to fully engage the brake; a light press will trigger the warning light. Third, unlike the electronic parking brake, the foot brake produces a mechanical clicking sound to confirm activation. I often see people struggling to release it—they usually forget to press the brake pedal simultaneously. During maintenance, remember to ask the mechanic to check the pedal spring, as older cars are prone to sticking.