How to Use the Handbrake on a Mercedes-Benz E300?
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After parking the Mercedes-Benz E300, the handbrake pedal is located near the A-pillar on the driver's left side. Simply press it down to engage. Below is some relevant information about the handbrake: Function of the Handbrake: The handbrake is used for parking, providing secondary braking to prevent the car from rolling when parked. It is typically used when the car is stationary, and it is recommended to engage the handbrake when the car is in neutral or the engine is turned off. There is no need to press the clutch when using the handbrake. Working Principle: The handbrake is a specialized auxiliary brake in a car. Unlike the main braking system, the handbrake uses a steel cable connected to the rear brake shoes to apply braking force. Prolonged use of the handbrake can cause the steel cable to undergo plastic deformation, which is irreversible.
The operation of the Mercedes-Benz E300's parking brake is quite intuitive. When I first drove this car, I was a bit unfamiliar with it, but I got the hang of it quickly. When parking, you need to firmly press the brake pedal to ensure the car comes to a complete stop, then look for the 'P' button on the center console or the left side of the steering wheel. A gentle press activates the electronic parking brake, and a red light on the dashboard will indicate a successful lock—this step is especially important to prevent rolling on slopes. To release it when driving, in most cases, simply stepping on the accelerator after fastening the seatbelt will automatically disengage it, which is convenient and hassle-free. If the accelerator doesn’t respond, it might be because the seatbelt isn’t properly fastened, or you can manually press the button to release it. After using it a few times, I found Mercedes' design to be smart—the system includes safety checks, such as preventing activation if the car isn’t fully stopped, avoiding accidental misuse. Beginners should practice in empty areas like residential zones to get used to it. Developing the habit of always using the parking brake when parking can prevent accidents and protect the braking system.
