How to Use the Handbrake of a Motor Vehicle?
4 Answers
The correct method to use the handbrake of a motor vehicle is as follows: 1. Pay attention to the force: When pulling the handbrake, do not yank it abruptly, as this will damage the handbrake over time. The correct approach is to pull the handbrake gently and smoothly, ensuring you hear the distinct clicking sound of the handbrake engaging. 2. A small tip: When pulling the handbrake, the button on the handbrake head will move back and forth, with a spring inside exerting force. To prolong the lifespan of the spring and the button, press the button with the pad of your thumb before pulling the handbrake. 3. Optimal working point: When testing the handbrake's holding power on the same slope, there is no difference in the effectiveness between pulling the handbrake 100% and 70%. Moreover, frequently pulling the handbrake to its maximum height will shorten the lifespan of the handbrake cable. Therefore, the optimal working point for the handbrake is pulling it 70% of the way.
As a safety-conscious everyday driver, I strictly use the parking brake every time I park: first holding the car steady with the foot brake until it comes to a complete stop, then pulling up the handbrake lever firmly with my right hand until I hear the click indicating it's locked, before releasing the foot brake. This process applies whether on flat ground or slopes—don’t treat it only as hill-start assist; using it on level ground also prevents accidental rolling. When starting, reverse the steps: press the foot brake first, then release the handbrake before moving off. I make it a point to regularly check the handbrake’s effectiveness—for example, after fully engaging it in a parking lot, I try pushing the car lightly; if there’s slight movement, I visit the repair shop to tighten the cable. For maintenance, since the handbrake cable can rust from prolonged disuse, I spray lubricant every six months to prevent seizing. Forming this habit takes mere seconds but prevents rollaway accidents, proving especially reliable in rain or snow.
Recalling my early experiences with the handbrake when I first started driving: The driving instructor emphasized that it was a fundamental skill. The parking sequence was to first press the brake pedal to come to a complete stop, then pull the handbrake lever upward until it locks, and only then release the foot brake for safety. In the beginning, I often forgot, and once on a slope, the car slid back a few centimeters, scaring me into quickly correcting it. When starting, remember to press the brake pedal before releasing the handbrake. For beginners, the operation is simple; the lever type is the most common, while button or foot-operated electronic types depend on the car model—check the markings to confirm the direction (press to activate). After a few tries, it becomes muscle memory. Don’t ignore the handbrake indicator light on the dashboard; confirming its status is crucial. Helpful tips: On slopes, pull the handbrake tighter to handle the heavier load; on flat roads, make it a habit—it can even earn extra points in driving tests. Fellow drivers recommend regularly testing the handbrake’s tension. If the lever feels too loose or makes unusual noises, get it checked early.
After years of driving, using the handbrake has become second nature to me. I pull it up as soon as the car comes to a complete stop, regardless of the location, just release the foot brake. Before starting, press the foot brake and then release the handbrake to move off. The operation is straightforward; it varies by car: for older models, lift the lever in the middle, for electronic ones, just press a button. But the core principle is locking the rear wheels to reduce wear on the foot brake. I pull it up casually during normal use to avoid the hassle of rolling. Key detail: apply appropriate force when pulling the brake on slopes to prevent cable breakage from excessive force. I check it during every maintenance to ensure it's flexible and reliable. Keeping the handbrake clean to prevent dust ingress ensures long-term proper functioning.
